8 best photo enlarging paper

Photo enlarging paper, often referred to as photographic paper or darkroom paper, is a crucial component in the traditional photographic printing process. It is used in darkrooms to create physical prints from negatives or slides. Here are some key aspects of photo enlarging paper:

Types of Photo Enlarging Paper:
- There are various types of photo enlarging paper available, including black and white (B&W) and color. B&W papers are primarily used for monochromatic prints, while color papers are used for producing color prints.
- B&W papers come in different grades, such as variable contrast (VC) and graded papers. VC papers allow photographers to adjust the contrast of the print by using contrast filters, while graded papers have a fixed contrast level.
- Color papers are designed for making color prints and are typically used in color enlargers.
Surface Finish:
- Photo enlarging paper comes in various surface finishes, including glossy, matte, and semi-gloss. The choice of surface finish can significantly impact the final appearance of the print.
Paper Sizes:
- Enlarging paper is available in standard sizes such as 8x10 inches, 11x14 inches, and 16x20 inches, among others. The choice of paper size depends on the desired print size.
Resin-Coated vs. Fiber-Based:
- Enlarging paper is available in two primary categories: resin-coated (RC) and fiber-based (FB).
- RC paper is coated with a layer of plastic, making it quicker to dry and less susceptible to damage from moisture. It's commonly used for casual or quick prints.
- FB paper is made from natural fiber materials and is known for its superior image quality, tonal range, and longevity.It's often preferred by professional photographers for fine art printing.
Durability and Archival Quality:
- Fiber-based papers are known for their archival quality and can last for many decades when properly stored and handled. RC papers are generally less archival but are still suitable for most applications.
Exposure and Development:
- The exposure and development process in the darkroom involves projecting the image onto the enlarging paper and then processing it through a series of chemical baths to bring out the image.
Chemistry:
- The processing of enlarging paper involves chemicals like developer, stop bath, fixer, and wash to reveal and stabilize the image. Proper chemical handling and timing are crucial for achieving desired results.
Brand and Availability:
- Photo enlarging paper is offered by various manufacturers, and photographers often have their preferences based on factors like paper texture, contrast, and personal taste.

In summary, photo enlarging paper is a fundamental element in traditional darkroom photography. Photographers use it to create physical prints from their negatives or slides, and it comes in various types, finishes, and sizes to suit different preferences and needs. The choice of paper can significantly impact the final look and longevity of the print.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best photo enlarging paper on the market

Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast Black & White Enlarging Paper - 8x10" - 25 Sheets - Glossy Surface

Ilford

Based on 147 reviews Check latest price

Product description

MULTIGRADE IV RC DELUXE Glossy is a premium quality paper with a bright base tint. The image colour remains cool to neutral whether viewed in daylight or fluorescent light. MULTIGRADE IV RC DELUXE is part of the ILFORD MULTIGRADE system and is fully compatible with all existing MULTIGRADE filters and equipment. MULTIGRADE IV RC DELUXE has the standard weight (190g/m2) resin coated base.

Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast Black & White Enlarging Paper - 8x10" - 25 Sheets - Glossy Surface

Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast Black & White Enlarging Paper - 8x10" - 25 Sheets - Pearl Surface

Ilford

Based on 102 reviews Check latest price

Product description

MULTIGRADE IV RC DELUXE Pearl is a premium quality paper with a bright base tint. The image colour remains cool to neutral whether viewed in daylight or fluorescent light. MULTIGRADE IV RC DELUXE is part of the ILFORD MULTIGRADE system and is fully compatible with all existing MULTIGRADE filters and equipment. MULTIGRADE IV RC DELUXE has the standard weight (190g/m2) resin coated base.

Resin Coated
Non-developer incorporated
Sparkling whites
Rich blacks
Wide tonal range

User questions & answers

Question:	I live in Arizona. If this is shipped to me, is it going to get ruined in the heat while shipping
Answer:	I don't know. My system is pretty basic. Just two desktop computers and a printer.

Ilford Multigrade V RC Deluxe Satin Surface Black & White Photo Paper, 8x10, 100 Sheets

Ilford

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Product description

The 5th generation of our Multigrade, Resin Coated, variable contrast black & white photo paper. Ideal for beginners and advanced users. Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe is the 5th generation of the world's most popular range of black & white photo papers and utilizes the latest emulsion technology. This paper is the perfect choice for beginners, students and darkroom pro's delivering a full tonal range and exceptional image quality throughout its wide contrast range of grades 00-5. It is now easier than ever to get stunning darkroom prints whether you are new to the darkroom and creating straight prints from your negatives or are a more experienced printer looking for full creative control. Additionally, these papers offer excellent toning properties giving those who want to experiment or learn toning an alternative starting option to our fiber based papers. Compared to Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe - what you need to know Since the launch of the world's first variable contrast Multigrade paper back in 1940, Ilford has maintained a long and proud tradition of quality. Launched 25 years after generation 4, this 5th generation paper continues to build on the defining features of its predecessors. Key differences: Generation 5 has a slightly warmer base tint, better blacks for greater depth, improved mid-grade spacing and a smoother sensometric curve providing more uniform contrast throughout the tonal range.

Medium weight 190gsm resin coated paper
Neutral base tint
Satin surface

Ilford Multigrade RC Warmtone Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast Black & White Enlarging Paper - 8x10" - 25 Sheets - Pearl Surface 1168484

Ilford

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Product description

Multigrade FB Warmtone Paper from Ilford is a traditional black and white fiber-based printing and enlarging paper characterized by a warm white base, receptiveness to various toners, and a sturdy double-weight, 255 gsm thickness. The creamy, off-white base color produces rich, warm black tones and smooth whites and is compatible with the Multigrade system of filters for seven full grades of contrast adjustment. It is suitable for use with both conventional black and white negatives as well as XP2 Super chromogenic negatives. This item is one box of 25 sheets of 8 x 10" paper featuring a glossy surface finish.

ILFORD MGRCWT44M MULTIGRADE RC WARMTONE PEARL , 8X10 25 SHEETS

Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast - Black and White Enlarging Paper, 8x10 Inches, 25 Sheets, Glossy Surface (116 8190)

Ilford

Based on 154 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Resin Coated
Non-developer incorporated
Sparkling whites
Rich blacks
Wide tonal range

User questions & answers

Question:	is this paper light sensitive
Answer:	I am currently using this with a Toshiba laptop that has an AMD Vision processor.
Question:	We are making pinhole cameras for homeschool- is this the correct paper? Thanks
Answer:	Brooklyn NY 11234
Question:	Does this product works for pinhole photograpy? Thanks
Answer:	Yes, I used the N-150 on a Dell Optiplex 755 and was able to print on a HP DeskJet 3520 while using a Brighthouse wifi modem.
Question:	How many sheets of paper are in this package
Answer:	Hi, the answer to your question is It works with Windows 8/7/Vista/XP SP3. Now on the product suport website it does show there is drivers for mac Driver for Mac 10.11, 10.10,10.9, 10.8, 10.7. So since they have drivers for mac it should work. Here is the link to the support sitehttp://www.dlink.com/si/sl/support.Hope that helps.

Ilford Multigrade Art 300, Variable Contrast, B & W Enlarging Paper, 5x7", 50 Sheets, Matte

Ilford

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Ilford Multigrade Art 300 5 x 7 inch Paper (50 Sheets) features a textured matte surface and displays a unique eggshell sheen. The silver gelatin coating has a cool base but shows a warm tone when printed. It is slightly different from Ilford FB (baryta); Multigrade 300 has a shorter wash time. It is also more easily handled since it has a hefty 300gsm.

User questions & answers

Question:	Can this paper work on ink jet printer
Answer:	You get software CD with your package but the version you need to put down on "http://www.google.com to do a search because the one I bought was a few years ago today PC's do not run on Windows XP Pro that is when I got mine Sorry that is my best answer but it did work grate & steal works grate. Take care.
Question:	this item working on ink jet printer
Answer:	Doesn't the xbox360 come with wireless-N built-in? Why go with a USB?