Performing a Ribbon Scratch Test

Perform the ribbon scratch test when labels are unavailable.

Unroll a short length of ribbon.

Place the unrolled section of ribbon on a piece of paper with the outer surface of the ribbon in contact with the paper.

Scratch the inner surface of the unrolled ribbon with your fingernail.

Lift the ribbon from the paper.

Observe the results.

Did the ribbon leave a mark on the paper?

If the ribbon...	Then...
Left a mark on the paper	The ribbon is coated on the outside and it can be used in this printer.
Did not leave a mark on the paper	The ribbon is coated on the inside and it cannot be used in the standard printer. To verify this result, repeat the test on the other surface of the roll of ribbon.