Typewriter Backing Sheets

[@loveisall5520]

Sixty years ago when I learned touch typing, I was taught to always load two sheets of paper to save the platen. I've done it ever since.

[@jeffbeyea8910]

Joe, all your videos are so helpful to me as a working writer. Thank you!!!!!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Thank you!

[@Channelscruf]

Thanks for all you do, Joe. We all appreciate it.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I appreciate that!

[@GammaCorvi]

Thanks again for a very informative and interesting video, Joe! I am lucky to have an original platen protector sheet which is in pretty good shape still. ‘Flex-O-type’ which is very reminiscent of truck tarp, albeit a smidge softer. So I presume it might be PVC based. My durometer is on its way so I can get back to you about its measurement (softness nowadays). For new typewriters and during cleaning and restoration I usually use transparent PP (polypropylene) folders as backing sheets, such as you can buy for storing notes. In stubborn cases I actually use ‘three-ply’ - so an additional ‘page’ of cut-up PP folder. All in all those have served me well so far, and can be cleaned or replaced easily. Additionally I don’t have to worry about the effect of cleaning products on them. P.S.: I type on recycled 80g paper.

[@charlesk1655]

I received your letter and wanted say thank you. Very interesting to read about what you're up to and also what the typing community is up to. Post covid world my wife and I are getting out to more auctions again where I can hunt for typewriters. I focus on Olympia and Hermes. Thanks for what you do and I'm glad I reconnected with your videos.

[@MikeBzd]

You posted this video right as I was looking for some sort of alternative to backing sheets. Currently I am using 32lb scrap printer paper. Seems to work just fine.

[@Spindoggie]

If one draws thick, dark margin lines on their backing sheet, one can see through their typing sheet to a visible reminder of their margins.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Yes, great idea, thanks!

[@bletheringfool]

Joe. I was looking through the carry case of my early 60s Olympia Splendid 33. I found this sheet made of unknown material called 'the caribonum super backing sheet' wondered if you had heard of this. The sheet has information printed across it: Make a habit of using this backing sheet. It has many advantages as follows:- 1. Protection of the typewriter platen roller from wear, thus giving it prolonged life. 2. All advantages of an ordinary backing sheet combined with very long life - it is practically indestructible. 3. The hard smooth surface gives improved sharpness to the typewriting and (carbon)copies 4. Easy handling of all the papers in and out of the typewriter. 5. Freedom from slipping in the typewriter. Very interesting looking sheet

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I have not seen that backing sheet. Interesting.

[@johnandrewmunroe]

This is great, Joe! What is the optimal Shore hardness for platens, if there is such a thing? Definitely going to get myself a Durometer now.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I think it’s around the low 90s.

[@Hyperion_Studios1]

Love your videos! ✌️❤️

[@lorensims4846]

Interesting. I've heard suggestions about using a backing sheet if your platen is hard or just to protect your platen from being distorted by the impact of the type hammers. It's been interesting watching you try out a variety of materials. As it is, I think I'll stick to using a second sheet of the 20# paper I'm typing on for my twenty-five-year-old Smith-Corona typewriter/word processor. The result so far is that the text is clear, dark, and sharp, but I'm not convinced that I would see any difference without the backing sheet on this daisy-wheel machine. But I still feel that it's good practice in any case.

[@otterchen]

Again a very good video and inspiring for making own experiments. There are even more parameters coming into play, the typingtechnique, the ribbon itself. -for me it is most important to prevent my fingers and the machine from stress and fatigue therefore a softer backingsheet with a thinner ribbon might be the solution, or the renewed platen

[@joebeamish]

Is a backing sheet necessary? I was taught to use two sheets, which I usually do…but does it matter?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

If the platen is soft enough, it shouldn’t matter. But a hard platen can type louder, and the characters can punch through to the back. Also, a backing sheet can help extend the life of the platen.

[@joebeamish]

@@Joe_VanCleave That's what I was told, that the backing sheet (or just, a second sheet of the same paper) would extend the life of the platen. I'm receiving an SM9 in the next couple days, and hope to keep it going a few decades. I like your method of folding a sheet over, which you show in the video about different font sizes.

[@ravenshadowz2343]

I saw another video on typing paper and he said to use 80 to 100 GSM, with a thin backing paper.

[@selkiemaine]

That's fun. A very useful video. I've never given it much thought - I've just thrown in a second sheet of whatever I was typing with. I think that some of the results stem from the ribbon on the Hermes being maybe a bit too heavily inked. I think that would produce the fairly extreme differences you saw with basic backing sheets.

[@JessicaFEREM]

what about parchment paper?

[@radio645]

So you are located in ABQ? I'm live in Santa Fe are there any typewriter clubs, groups that you might know of here? And are there any typewriter stores, shops in ABQ? I just bought a Brother Deluxe 220 and I'm search for another typewriter, any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

John Lewis has a shop in ABQ. 505-884-0600. We have a small typewriter group in ABQ: abqtypers.substack.com

[@BoulderJR]

How long do you use the same backing sheet?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Until it gets dimpled with impressions enough to warrant needing replaced.

[@typepals]

Oh! I thought for sure you would show the difference on the back of the sheet. My main reason for using a backing sheet is to prevent the characters from cutting through the paper. Still a great video. It’s fascinating seeing how much of a role the backing sheet plays in the imprint. I’m lazy and usually just grab a second sheet of whatever paper I’m using.

[@douglasjackson9058]

Construction paper is my go too.