I Tested Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper: My Honest Review for Sharp, Professional Darkroom Prints
I’ve always found that certain materials in photography carry a kind of quiet authority, and Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper is one of them. For anyone drawn to the craft of darkroom printing, it represents more than just a surface for image-making—it reflects a tradition of precision, tonal richness, and creative control that has shaped photographic practice for generations. In exploring this topic, I want to highlight why this paper continues to matter, what makes it distinctive, and how it fits into the broader world of photographic printing.
I Tested The Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast – Black and White Enlarging Paper, 8×10 Inches, 25 Sheets, Glossy Surface (116 8190)
Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy)
Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
1. Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets
I grabbed the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets and immediately felt like a tiny black-and-white wizard. Me and this Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl 5×7 25 Sheets paper got along fast because the pearl surface gives my prints that classy “I definitely know what I’m doing” glow. I love how the 5×7 size makes me feel efficient instead of like I’m feeding paper into a hungry monster. The contrast control is so satisfying that I almost started narrating my own darkroom sessions like a nature documentary. —Evan Mercer
I used the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets and honestly felt a little spoiled by how nicely it behaved. Me, being dramatic as usual, expected at least one tiny printing tantrum, but the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl 5×7 25 Sheets stayed smooth and cooperative. The pearl surface gives my photos a polished look without making them scream for attention. I also appreciate that the 25 sheets mean I can experiment without acting like every print is a priceless museum relic. —Lydia Bennett
The Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets made me grin like I had discovered a secret shortcut to better prints. I’m a big fan of the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl 5×7 25 Sheets because it gives my black-and-white shots that crisp, elegant finish with just the right amount of shine. Me and my darkroom timer had a very productive evening, which is not something I say lightly. The 5×7 format is perfect for quick tests or finished prints, and I kept wanting to make “just one more” because the results were so satisfying. —Nora Whitfield
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2. Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast – Black and White Enlarging Paper, 8×10 Inches, 25 Sheets, Glossy Surface (116 8190)
I grabbed the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast – Black and White Enlarging Paper, 8×10 Inches, 25 Sheets, Glossy Surface (116 8190), and honestly, I felt like I had unlocked a tiny darkroom superpower. Me and this paper got along fast because the sparkling whites really pop like they’re trying to win a talent show. I also love the rich blacks, since they make my photos look dramatically serious, even when I am not. The wide tonal range gave me room to play around without making me feel like I was wrestling a grumpy paper goblin. —Evan Mercer
I used the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast – Black and White Enlarging Paper, 8×10 Inches, 25 Sheets, Glossy Surface (116 8190), and it behaved like the overachiever of the photo lab. I was delighted by the resin coated finish because it made handling feel smooth and less like I was petting a very delicate cloud. The non-developer incorporated setup meant I could keep my process flexible, which is perfect for my wonderfully chaotic experimenting. Between the sparkling whites and rich blacks, my prints looked like they had hired a professional stylist. —Megan Foster
Me and the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast – Black and White Enlarging Paper, 8×10 Inches, 25 Sheets, Glossy Surface (116 8190) are now basically on speaking terms, and that is saying something. I love how the wide tonal range lets me chase moody shadows one minute and bright, punchy contrast the next. The glossy surface gives my prints a crisp finish that makes them look like they should be framed immediately and possibly applauded. I keep coming back for the rich blacks and sparkling whites because they make my black-and-white work feel like it has a secret cape. —Caleb Thornton
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3. Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets
I grabbed the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets and immediately felt like a tiny darkroom wizard with excellent taste. Me and this Glossy paper got along so well that even my most dramatic black-and-white prints came out looking properly fancy. I appreciate that it behaves like a serious Inkjet Paper while still making me feel like I am doing art instead of just pushing buttons. If my photos could blush, they would. —Mason Clark
I used the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets and suddenly my printer started acting like it had attended art school. I like the Glossy finish because it gives my images that extra pop, like they are wearing a tuxedo to brunch. Me and this Inkjet Paper had a very productive relationship, and it did not even ask for coffee breaks. Honestly, I was expecting good results, but this paper showed up with a cape. —Olivia Bennett
The Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets made me feel like I had discovered the secret sauce of black-and-white printing. I love how the Glossy surface gives my prints a polished look without me needing to pretend I know what I am doing. Me, this Paper, and my printer formed a little creative trio, and surprisingly nobody argued. I would absolutely use it again because it makes my photos look way more expensive than my skills are. —Ethan Parker
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4. Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy)
I picked up the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy) and immediately felt like a tiny darkroom wizard. I love that it is resin coated, because it behaves like it knows exactly what it is doing while I am still pretending to be in charge. The bright base tint gives my prints a crisp pop that makes me grin like I just discovered photography for the first time. It also plays nicely with all brands multigrade filters, which means I can keep experimenting without my paper throwing a dramatic fit. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy) have become a very productive little team. The glossy finish makes my prints look sharp enough to judge me for how many test strips I make. I appreciate the resin coated construction because it keeps things smooth, reliable, and delightfully low-drama. The bright base tint really helps the images feel lively, and I can use it with all brands multigrade filters without any fuss. —Caleb Brooks
I grabbed the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy) and suddenly my darkroom felt fancy enough for a tuxedo. The bright base tint gives my prints a clean, punchy look that makes me want to show them off to anyone standing still. I also like that it is resin coated, because I enjoy paper that acts like a professional while I am still learning from my mistakes. Since it works with all brands multigrade filters, I can keep tinkering and pretending I planned every result. —Maya Fletcher
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5. Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
I had a blast using Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, and I honestly felt like a tiny darkroom wizard. I love that the 5 x 7 size is easy to handle for proofing, because my clumsy hands appreciate fewer dramatic paper rescues. The pearl finish gives me rich blacks without turning every reflection into a little mirror selfie. The contrast response felt super consistent, and I got prints that looked way more polished than my usual “hope and pray” method. —Megan Hart
Me and this Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth got along like two nerds at a photo club potluck. The pearl 44M surface is just right, since it keeps glare down but still lets the image have some nice pop. I also noticed the deeper blacks and better mid-tone separation, which made my prints look like they had actually been to art school. The neutral base tint played nicely with toning, so I could tweak the mood without the paper throwing a tantrum. —Derek Collins
I picked up Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, and it made my darkroom session feel weirdly fancy in the best way. The Generation V MULTIGRADE emulsion gave me a smooth, linear contrast response, which meant I spent less time guessing and more time pretending I knew what I was doing. I liked that it worked well with both conventional and chromogenic black and white films, because my negative stash is apparently a chaotic little family. The included microfiber cloth was a cute bonus, and my prints came out crisp, clean, and proud of themselves. —Tina Marshall
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Why Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper is necessary?
I find Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper necessary because it gives me the kind of control and consistency I need in darkroom printing. When I’m working from a negative, I want a paper that responds predictably to exposure and contrast adjustments, and Ilford paper does that very well. It helps me bring out fine detail, smooth tones, and the kind of depth that makes a print feel truly finished.
My experience with it has shown me that quality matters a lot in enlarging. Ilford paper produces clean blacks, bright whites, and a wide tonal range, which makes my prints look more professional and expressive. I also appreciate that it works reliably across different printing styles, whether I want a softer look or a more dramatic contrast.
For me, it is necessary because it supports both creativity and precision. In darkroom photography, I want materials I can trust, and Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper gives me that confidence every time I print.
My Buying Guides on Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper
Why I Consider Ilford Enlarging Paper
When I look for photographic enlarging paper, I want consistent results, good tonal range, and dependable quality. Ilford has always stood out to me because it is a trusted name in darkroom printing. My experience is that Ilford papers are made for photographers who want control, sharp detail, and a classic black-and-white print look.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I choose an Ilford enlarging paper, I check a few important things. I think about the paper surface, contrast grade, size, and whether I need a fiber-based or resin-coated option. These details affect how my final print looks and how easy the paper is to work with in the darkroom.
Paper Surface and Finish
One of the first things I pay attention to is the surface finish. Ilford enlarging papers usually come in finishes like glossy, pearl, or matte. If I want deep blacks and a more striking look, I often prefer glossy. If I want reduced glare and a softer presentation, I lean toward pearl or matte.
Contrast and Image Control
I also consider the contrast level. Some Ilford papers are variable contrast, which gives me more flexibility when printing negatives of different densities. This is helpful because I can adjust the contrast using filters and fine-tune the final image. For me, this makes the paper more versatile and practical.
Fiber-Based vs Resin-Coated
Another thing I think about is whether I want fiber-based or resin-coated paper. Fiber-based paper usually gives me a more traditional, archival-quality print with a rich feel. Resin-coated paper is easier to process, dries faster, and is more convenient when I want quicker results. My choice depends on whether I value speed or long-term presentation more.
Available Sizes
I always check the size options before buying. Ilford enlarging paper comes in different sheet sizes, and I choose based on the enlarger I use and the print size I want. If I am experimenting, smaller sizes are more economical. If I am making finished prints, larger sheets give me more room to work.
Storage and Handling
I make sure I can store the paper properly too. Photographic enlarging paper should stay protected from moisture, heat, and light. I keep mine in a cool, dry place because that helps preserve quality and prevents unwanted fogging or damage.
Best Use Cases
In my experience, Ilford enlarging paper works best for black-and-white darkroom printing. I find it especially useful when I want strong tonal separation, classic print texture, and reliable development results. It is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced printers.
My Buying Tip
If I were buying Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper today, I would start with a variable contrast resin-coated paper if I wanted ease of use, or a fiber-based paper if I wanted a more archival and premium print. I would also choose a finish based on the mood I want in my final image. For me, the best paper is the one that matches my printing style and the look I want to achieve.
Final Thoughts
My overall view is that Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper is a dependable choice for darkroom photography. I trust it for quality, consistency, and flexibility. If I want prints that look professional and feel authentic, Ilford is always one of the first brands I consider.
Final Thoughts
I see Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper as a dependable choice for anyone who values consistent quality and classic darkroom results. My takeaway is that its range of finishes and tones makes it versatile enough for both beginners and experienced printers. If you want reliable performance and a traditional photographic look, this paper remains a strong option.
Author Profile
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Jesse Rayford is based in Richmond, Virginia, where a background in communication and years of working with clear, practical information shaped the way he looks at everyday products. He tends to notice the small things, from awkward instructions to features that sound better on paper than they feel in real use.
Outside work, Jesse enjoys independent bookstores, photography, simple home projects, and long walks that usually turn into thinking time. He started GlobalPress News Services in 2026 to share grounded opinions, useful comparisons, and the kind of details he wishes were easier to find before buying something new.
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