A printing blanket and method of reducing corrosion and abrasion of printing blankets and printing blanket cylinders is provided. The printing blanket includes a metal base ply having first and second surfaces, a surface layer on the first surface of the base ply, and a polymer on the second surface of the base ply. The polymer functions to protect the metal base ply as well as a blanket cylinder surface from abrasion and exposure to moisture and corrosive agents used during a printing process. The polymer preferably comprises ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, nylon, polyester, polyurethane, or polyethylene. The polymer may be applied to the in the form of an emulsion which is coated or sprayed onto the base ply, or the polymer may be provided in the form of a film or sheet which is adhered to the base ply with an adhesive. Preferably, the polymer includes corrosion inhibiting additives which are released when the blanket is compressed during a printing operation, further reducing corrosion.