Abstract: An apparatus for use with a print head which is used in conjunction with a floating platen. The print head is mounted on a carriage which has a forms compensation member secured to it to contact the top surface of a document to be printed upon. The forms compensation member causes the print surface of the platen to tilt somewhat causing ink smears or uneven printing by the print head. A stabilizer is used to offset the tilting caused by the forms compensation member to thereby maintain the printing surface of the platen in parallel relationship with print face of the print head, which in the embodiment described, is a wire matrix printer. The stabilizer includes first and second leaf springs which are secured to the platen and cooperate with a channel in which the platen is mounted.