The Best Typewriter Ribbons, Supplies & Repair Kits (2026)
A vintage typewriter is 30% machine, 70% consumables and care. Here's the supply list that keeps a serviced typewriter typing well for years.
The biggest reason vintage typewriters type poorly isn't age — it's dried-out ribbons and untuned mechanisms. Most typewriters that arrive from an estate sale look dead but come back to life with a fresh ribbon and a cleaning. Both are cheap, both are learnable, and both make the difference between a paperweight and a working writing machine.
The supply chain for vintage typewriters is thinner than it was in 1960 but healthier than it was in 2005. Baco (a UK company) has been making typewriter ribbons continuously since the 1930s. Porelon (US) makes both nylon and cotton ribbons in universal spools. Specialty typewriter shops like Alan Seaver, Kasbah Mod, and various restorers stock parts and consumables. The market has quietly stabilized.
Below is the shortlist of consumables and tools every vintage typewriter owner should keep on hand. None of this is exotic — most is available through Amazon, eBay, and typewriter specialty shops. The total investment for a complete kit is well under $100.
How We Ranked These
Typewriter supplies are judged on:
- Ribbon quality. Fresh ink saturation and clean print without smearing or feathering.
- Compatibility. Universal spools fit most portables. Cartridge-based ribbons are model-specific.
- Cleaning solvent chemistry. Denatured alcohol, mineral spirits, and specialty products all have their uses. Avoid anything that leaves residue.
- Tool availability. Small screwdrivers, dental picks, and slot cleaners are frequently needed. A basic kit covers most work.
- Storage. Ribbons dry out over time. Sealed storage extends shelf life dramatically.
Our Picks
Baco Universal Ribbon (Cotton, Black)
Baco has been making typewriter ribbons in the UK since the 1930s. Their universal cotton ribbons fit most portable typewriters (Olympia, Smith Corona, Olivetti, Royal, Underwood, and many others) with basic spool adjustment. Consistent ink saturation, minimal drying in package.
For 90% of vintage typewriters, a Baco black cotton ribbon is the correct answer. Available direct from Baco (UK) or through Amazon US.
Porelon Universal Typewriter Ribbon
Porelon is the largest US typewriter ribbon manufacturer. Universal spool format, cotton or nylon options, and available in black, black-with-red-strip, blue, and specialty colors. Reliable and consistently in stock.
Porelon is the American default. If Baco is out of stock or shipping from the UK is impractical, Porelon is the equivalent alternative.
MJ Ribbons Custom Wound
MJ Ribbons is a specialty typewriter ribbon supplier that hand-winds ribbons for less common formats and colors. Useful for uncommon typewriters (specific Hermes cartridges, unusual American models) and for colors not stocked by mass suppliers.
For typewriters that don't take standard universal spools, MJ Ribbons is often the only viable retail source.
Denatured Alcohol + Cotton Swabs
The universal cleaning solvent for typewriter mechanisms. Denatured alcohol evaporates quickly, dissolves old lubricant residue, and doesn't attack metal or the majority of period-correct paint. Use with cotton swabs, small brushes, and lint-free cloths.
A gallon of denatured alcohol at $20 covers dozens of typewriter cleanings. Buy at hardware stores.
Ames Typewriter Repair Manual
The Ames Typewriter Repair Manual is a comprehensive service reference covering hundreds of typewriter models from the 1920s through the 1970s. Diagrams, service procedures, adjustment specs, and parts diagrams. Republished by specialty typewriter suppliers as a bound volume.
For serious hobbyist typewriter repair, the Ames manual is the single most important reference you can own. Almost every typewriter repair specialist references it.
Precision Tool Set (Watchmaker Screwdrivers + Picks)
Vintage typewriters use small slot and Phillips screws throughout the mechanism. A watchmaker's screwdriver set (Wera or Tekton for premium; various for value) plus a set of dental picks handles almost all field work. Additional useful tools: bristle brushes, tweezers, small pin punches.
For anyone doing their own typewriter servicing, this toolkit is the foundation. Skip the cheap sets — bad tools damage screw heads.
Buying Guide: What Actually Matters
Ribbon replacement basics
Most portable typewriters use two spools (feed and take-up) with the ribbon threaded through the ribbon vibrator (the mechanism that lifts the ribbon between key and platen). Reversing ribbon direction extends life 2x. Universal ribbons install in 5-10 minutes once you've done it. Follow the threading diagram on the machine or in the manual.
Cleaning: segment and typebar
The segment (the fan-shaped assembly of typebars) accumulates ink, dust, and old lubricant. Clean by inverting the typewriter (with paper support raised), spraying denatured alcohol into the segment, and letting it drain. Old alcohol carries away the crud. Follow with a dry-brush of the typebars to clear residual particles. Segment lubrication after cleaning is typically a light watchmaker's oil, not general-purpose.
Platen care
The platen is the rubber roller against which typebars strike. Old platens harden, crack, and cause skipping or blurred impressions. Cleaning: rubber rejuvenator (Ames Platen Rejuvenator, or gentle dish soap and water). Replacement: platens can be re-covered by specialty shops (Alan Seaver, various) for $100-200. A recovered platen dramatically improves print quality.
Long-term storage
For typewriters not in daily use: cover the machine (dust attracts moisture), keep in a stable climate (not attic or garage), and place a fresh sheet of paper on the platen to protect the rubber. Loosen ribbon tension to prevent stretching. Every 3-6 months, work through all keys briefly to prevent stiffening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typewriter ribbon last?
In active use: several thousand pages before the ink is exhausted. In storage after opening: 1-3 years before drying out. Some ribbons come in sealed pouches that extend shelf life. Store unopened ribbons in a cool, dry place.
Can I re-ink a typewriter ribbon?
Not practically. Re-inking is possible with fabric ink (traditionally called 'record ink' for ribbon fabrics), but the process is messy and results are inconsistent. A fresh ribbon costs less than the ink you'd need. Retire old ribbons; don't try to revive them.
Do all typewriters use the same ribbon?
Most portable and standard typewriters use universal ribbon spools (approximately 2-inch diameter, various widths). Certain models use proprietary cartridges (later Smith Corona, IBM Selectric, various electric typewriters). Check your machine before ordering.
How often should I clean a typewriter?
Light cleaning (dust the exterior, brush off typebars) monthly for machines in regular use. Deep cleaning (denatured alcohol flush of the segment) every few years or when you notice sticking keys. Machines in storage should be cleaned before storing and inspected annually.
What lubricant should I use on typewriters?
Light watchmaker's oil for the segment and typebar pivots. General purpose light machine oil (3-in-1, sewing machine oil) for less-critical wear points. Never use heavy oils, penetrating oils (WD-40), or greases — they attract dust and gum up the mechanism.
Where do I get typewriter parts?
For common consumables (ribbons, spools): Baco, Porelon, Amazon, eBay. For platens and rubber parts: Alan Seaver, various specialty restorers. For mechanical parts (typebars, springs, gears): eBay parts machines (buy a rough machine of the same model as a parts donor) or specialty typewriter parts suppliers.
Final Take
The supply chain for vintage typewriter maintenance is stronger than most enthusiasts realize. Fresh ribbons from Baco or Porelon, cheap alcohol from the hardware store, a decent screwdriver set, and the Ames manual — that's the complete starter kit for under $80.
The most common reason vintage typewriters get retired is not mechanical failure but the owner's frustration with dried-out ribbons. Keep two spare ribbons on hand and change them when print starts to fade. A working ribbon transforms the typing experience.