Abstract: A flexible conductive coating for application to an elastomeric charging blade pressed against the developer roller in an electrostatic printing apparatus to improve the contact of the particulate toner with the developer roller. The coating serves to improve the uniformity in the charge distribution of the different sized toner particles in the toner, to improve the repeatability of image density and decrease ghosting caused by the developer roller. The coating formulation comprises an aqueous or solvent based elastomeric material containing a conductive material disposed in its body to create conductivity. The coating may be directly applied to the operative surface of the charging blade, incorporated into the body of the blade during manufacture, or applied to the operative surface of the blade using an adhesive strip.