diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/devices/taperecorder.dm b/code/game/objects/items/devices/taperecorder.dm
index 111c83a24b2..d804c874e1a 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/devices/taperecorder.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/devices/taperecorder.dm
@@ -289,7 +289,8 @@
 	timestamp.Cut()
 
 /obj/item/device/tape/proc/ruin()
-	overlays += "ribbonoverlay"
+	if(!ruined)
+		overlays += "ribbonoverlay"
 	ruined = 1