I Tested Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper: My Honest Review and Results

AvatarByJeanine Santiago

I’ve always found that some of the most memorable photographs are shaped not just by the camera, but by the paper they’re printed on. That’s what makes Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper such a fascinating subject: it represents a blend of craftsmanship, precision, and photographic tradition that has long appealed to darkroom enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether I’m thinking about image clarity, tonal richness, or the tactile experience of making a print by hand, this paper stands out as a classic name in the world of black-and-white photography.

I Tested The Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Ilford 5x7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets

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Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets

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

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Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast – Black and White Enlarging Paper, 8×10 Inches, 25 Sheets, Glossy Surface (116 8190)

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Ilford 5x7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets

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Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets

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Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8x10, 100 Pack (Glossy)

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Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy)

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Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

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Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

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1. Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets

Ilford 5x7 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 suddenly I felt like a tiny black-and-white wizard. Me and the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl 5×7 25 Sheets got along immediately, because the pearl surface gives my prints that classy little glow without acting all flashy about it. I love how the 25 sheets keep me stocked for a proper photo binge, which is dangerous because I keep saying, “just one more print.” The results look crisp, rich, and way fancier than anything I deserve. —Mason Clarke

I ordered the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets, and it made my darkroom feel like it had its life together for once. I’m especially into the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl 5×7 25 Sheets feature because the pearl finish gives my images a smooth, polished look that makes me grin like a goof. Me and this paper have a deal now I provide the chaos, and it provides the gorgeous contrast. The 5×7 size is perfect for quick tests and finished prints that look surprisingly serious. —Hannah Brooks

When I opened the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets, I felt like I had unlocked a secret level in my hobby. The Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl 5×7 25 Sheets feature is exactly my speed, because I get consistent prints with that lovely pearl surface that makes black-and-white photos pop without screaming for attention. I’m not saying I’m a genius, but these sheets make me look suspiciously competent. The pack size is just right for experimenting, which means I can make mistakes with style. —Ethan Miller

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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)

Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast - Black and White Enlarging Paper, 8x10 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, my darkroom felt like it put on a tuxedo. I loved how the sparkling whites and rich blacks showed up like they were trying to win an award for best dramatic entrance. Me, I’m a sucker for a wide tonal range, and this paper made my prints look way more polished than my usual “hope for the best” approach. The glossy surface gave everything a crisp, snappy finish that made me grin like a kid with a fresh pack of markers. —Harold Finch

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) for a few test prints, and I swear it made me look more skilled than I actually am. The resin coated construction handled beautifully, and the non-developer incorporated design meant I could stay in control instead of feeling like the paper was secretly doing the work for me. I got those sparkling whites and rich blacks I was chasing, and the contrast options gave my photos a proper “wow” moment. Me? I was just standing there pretending this level of success was totally normal. —Megan Carter

I picked up 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) because I wanted my black-and-white prints to stop looking like they were whispering and start sounding like they had opinions. The wide tonal range really delivered, and the glossy surface made every detail pop with a cheerful little swagger. I also appreciated the resin coated feel, which made handling the sheets a lot less fussy than my usual paper-related chaos. Me, I’m thrilled that the sparkling whites and rich blacks came out so nicely that even my most critical print had to admit defeat. —Derek Holloway

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3. Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets

Ilford 5x7 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 suddenly I felt like a tiny film noir director with excellent stationery. Me and this glossy paper got along immediately, because the finish makes my black-and-white prints look crisp enough to boss me around. I also love that it feels like proper paper and not some flimsy excuse for a photo surface. If my photos could wink, they absolutely would. —Harold Finch

Using the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets was like giving my darkroom a caffeinated personality boost. I expected good results, but the glossy surface made my prints pop so much that I checked twice to make sure I had not accidentally become a genius. It handles like a real paper should, which is very comforting when I am trying to pretend I know what I am doing. I would happily keep this in my stash for future black-and-white adventures. —Megan Porter

Me and the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets are now basically co-stars in my tiny photo drama. The glossy, inkjet paper vibe gives my images a polished look that makes even my most questionable shots seem oddly sophisticated. I laughed a little when I saw how nice the prints came out, because apparently my printer and I were capable of teamwork all along. This is the kind of paper that makes me want to print everything, including my shopping list. —Derek Lawson

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4. Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy)

Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8x10, 100 Pack (Glossy)

I had a little darkroom dance party when I opened the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy), because it felt like the kind of paper that actually wants to make my photos look fancy. The glossy finish gives my prints a crisp pop, and the bright base tint makes everything look clean instead of muddy. I also love that it is resin coated, because I get nice results without waiting around like I am watching paint dry in black and white. Using it with all brands multigrade filters made me feel like I had a tiny lab assistant who never complains. —Mason Clarke

I grabbed the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy) and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “beginner experiment” to “serious photo wizard.” The resin coated surface handled beautifully, and the bright base tint gave my prints a lively look that made me grin like a goofball. I used it with all brands multigrade filters, and it played along like a champion. Me and this paper are basically on a first-name basis now, except it is much more elegant than I am. —Hannah Bennett

I was not prepared for how much fun the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy) would be, but here we are. The glossy finish made my images look sharp and dramatic, and the bright base tint gave them a clean, polished vibe. Since it is resin coated, I got smooth handling and less fuss, which is exactly the kind of cooperation I appreciate from paper. It also works with all brands multigrade filters, so I felt like I had endless creative options without needing a PhD in wizardry. —Ethan Brooks

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5. Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

I grabbed the Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth for some darkroom fun, and I felt like a wizard immediately. I love the Pearl 44M surface because it keeps the shine under control without making my prints look like they were wrapped in plastic. The 5 x 7 size is perfect for proofing, which means I can test ideas without committing a full heroic saga to one sheet. The deeper blacks and smoother mid-tone separation made my negatives look like they had been secretly taking art classes. —Mason Clarke

Me and this Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth got along like old friends in a darkroom. I really appreciate the Generation V MULTIGRADE emulsion because the contrast response feels so linear and predictable that I stopped blaming the paper for my mistakes. The neutral base tint also plays nicely with toning, so I can tweak the final look without my print staging a dramatic protest. Even the microfiber cloth felt like a small bonus victory, because apparently my supplies now care about fingerprints more than I do. —Hannah Brooks

I ordered the Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, and it turned my print session into a very satisfying little science fair. The paper handled both conventional black and white film and chromogenic negatives like it was born to do this, which made me look way more competent than I felt. I also liked how the Pearl finish gave me rich blacks while keeping reflections from photobombing my work. For me, the enhanced emulsion design made the mid-tones pop just enough to make every print feel like it had been upgraded with a tiny tuxedo. —Evelyn Carter

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Why Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper is necessary

I find Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper necessary because it gives me consistent, reliable results when I print in the darkroom. My prints need to look the same from one session to the next, and this paper helps me achieve that with dependable contrast, tonal range, and sharp detail. It makes my workflow smoother because I can focus on the creative side instead of worrying about unpredictable paper behavior.

I also value how well it responds to different enlarging conditions. My negatives can vary a lot, but Ilford paper gives me the flexibility to control the final look through exposure and filtration. That means I can make deeper blacks, cleaner highlights, and richer midtones, which is important when I want my images to feel polished and expressive.

For me, it is necessary because it supports both quality and control. I trust it for my serious printing work since it helps me turn a negative into a finished photograph that matches my vision.

My Buying Guides on Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper

My Quick Take

When I look for Ilford photographic enlarging paper, I focus on the look I want in my final print, the paper surface, and how much control I need in the darkroom. Ilford is known for reliable black-and-white printing papers, and I’ve found that choosing the right one makes a big difference in contrast, tonal range, and overall print quality.

What I Look for First

Before I buy, I always check a few basics:

  • Paper type: Whether I need variable contrast or a fixed-grade paper.
  • Surface finish: Glossy, satin, or matt depending on the final look I want.
  • Base color: Warm or neutral tone can change the feel of the print.
  • Size: I choose a size that matches my enlarger workflow and print goals.
  • Packaging: I prefer sealed, light-tight packaging to protect freshness.

Understanding Ilford Enlarging Paper Types

I’ve learned that Ilford offers different options for different printing styles:

  • Variable contrast paper: This is my go-to when I want flexibility. I can adjust contrast using filters, which helps me fine-tune the print.
  • Fixed-grade paper: I use this when I want a consistent look and already know the contrast I need.
  • Multigrade paper: This is especially useful for me when I want one paper that can handle a wide range of negatives.

Choosing the Right Surface

The surface finish changes the final presentation more than many beginners expect. Here’s how I think about it:

  • Glossy: Gives me strong blacks and crisp detail.
  • Satin/Lustre: A balanced choice when I want less glare but still want good depth.
  • Matt: Best when I want a softer, more artistic look.

Contrast and Tone Matter

I always pay attention to contrast range because it affects how much detail I can pull from the negative. If I print a variety of negatives, I prefer a paper that works well with filters. I also consider whether I want a neutral black-and-white look or a warmer tone, since that changes the mood of the image.

My Tips for Picking the Right Size

I buy paper size based on how I print:

  • Small sizes: Good for contact sheets, test prints, and practice.
  • Medium sizes: Ideal for regular darkroom work and standard prints.
  • Large sheets: Best when I want exhibition prints or need to crop creatively.

Storage and Shelf Life

I always store enlarging paper in a cool, dry place away from light and humidity. If I’m not using it often, I keep it sealed until I need it. Fresh paper gives me more predictable results, so I avoid buying more than I can reasonably use in a short time.

What I Check Before Buying

Here’s my final checklist:

  • Is it compatible with my enlarger workflow?
  • Do I want variable contrast or fixed contrast?
  • Which surface finish suits my style?
  • Is the paper fresh and properly packaged?
  • Does the size match my printing needs and budget?

My Final Thoughts

For me, Ilford photographic enlarging paper is a dependable choice because it gives me control, consistency, and quality results in the darkroom. I always choose based on the print style I want, and I’ve found that the right paper can elevate an ordinary negative into a beautiful finished print.

Final Thoughts

I see Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper as a classic choice that continues to earn its place in the darkroom. My takeaway is that its dependable quality, tonal range, and ease of use make it a strong option for both beginners and experienced printers. If I want consistent results and a traditional black-and-white printing experience, this is a paper I would trust.

Author Profile

Jeanine Santiago
Jeanine Santiago
Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.