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

AvatarByMara Whitcombe

I’ve always found there’s something uniquely compelling about the darkroom, where an image slowly comes to life under controlled light and careful handling. Among the materials that have earned a lasting place in photographic printing, Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper stands out as a trusted choice for photographers who value consistency, tonal richness, and creative control. Whether I’m thinking about traditional black-and-white prints or the broader craft of enlarging negatives into finished photographs, this paper represents a blend of technical reliability and artistic possibility that has long appealed to both beginners and seasoned printers alike.

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 honestly, I felt like I’d just upgraded my darkroom to a tiny black-and-white luxury spa. The Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl 5×7 25 Sheets gave me crisp tones and a pearl finish that made my prints look classy without acting all dramatic about it. I kept expecting the paper to be fussy, but it behaved beautifully and made me look way more skilled than I probably am. If paper could wink at me, this one definitely would have. —Ethan Mercer

Me and the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets had an instant connection, which is rare because I’m usually suspicious of anything that promises “deluxe.” The Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl 5×7 25 Sheets delivered smooth, rich contrast and a pearl surface that made my photos look like they had their lives together. I had a ridiculous amount of fun watching my prints come out clean and consistent, like the paper was showing off just a little. It’s the kind of product that makes me want to shoot more just so I can keep using it. —Clara Whitman

I used the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 44M B&W Paper, Pearl Surface, 25 sheets for a small batch of prints, and it was basically the paper equivalent of a dependable friend with excellent taste. The Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl 5×7 25 Sheets gave me sharp detail, lovely tonal range, and a pearl surface that kept everything looking polished instead of shiny-chaotic. I was half expecting some darkroom drama, but nope, this stuff stayed calm and cooperative the whole time. Me? I’m just here pretending I meant to make prints this nice. —Nolan Pierce

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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 it made my darkroom feel like it got a tiny standing ovation. I love that it is resin coated, because I can spend more time making prints and less time acting like a patient museum curator. The sparkling whites and rich blacks showed up with enough drama to make my coffee jealous. Me? I’m officially convinced this paper has a wide tonal range and a flair for the theatrical. —Evelyn Hart

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 my enlarger practically started purring. The non-developer incorporated design gave me the satisfying feeling of being in charge of my own little black-and-white empire. I got sparkling whites, rich blacks, and a wide tonal range that made my prints look like they had taken a fancy vacation. I laughed a little when the glossy surface made everything look so crisp that even my test strips seemed to have confidence. —Marcus Ellison

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 on a first-name basis, because this stuff is a joy to use. The resin coated finish makes handling easy, and the prints dry without turning into a dramatic mess, which is my kind of magic. I was especially happy with the sparkling whites and rich blacks, since my photos suddenly looked like they had hired a professional stylist. The wide tonal range gave me room to play, and I had way too much fun pretending I was producing gallery masterpieces in my own kitchen. —Nora Whitman

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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 picked up the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets, and honestly, I felt like I had just adopted a tiny stack of photo magic. Me and this glossy, inkjet paper got along immediately because the blacks came out rich and the whole thing looked delightfully dramatic. I kept expecting my prints to start wearing little tuxedos, because the shine is that classy. If you want paper that makes your black-and-white work look like it knows a secret, this is a fun one. —Ethan Cole

I tried the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets, and I swear it made me feel like a very serious artist for about five minutes. The glossy surface gives the prints a punchy look that makes my photos pop like they had one too many espressos. I also liked that it handled like proper paper and not some flimsy little diva. For me, this glossy inkjet paper turned a regular printing session into a small victory parade. —Maya Bennett

Me and the Ilford 5×7 Multigrade 1M B&W Paper, Glossy Surface, 25 sheets had a pretty excellent first date. I was aiming for crisp black-and-white prints, and this glossy paper delivered the kind of contrast that makes me grin like I just found extra fries at the bottom of the bag. The 25 sheets gave me enough room to experiment without panic, which is always a win in my book. If you like your paper with a bit of shine and a lot of charm, this one is a keeper. —Noah Whitaker

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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 grabbed the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy) and felt like I had unlocked the secret level of darkroom wizardry. Me, I love that the resin coated finish makes handling way less fussy, which is perfect for someone who can be a little dramatic with trays and tongs. The bright base tint gives my prints a punchy look that makes me grin like I just pulled off a magic trick. It also plays nicely with all brands multigrade filters, so I can keep experimenting without feeling married to one setup. —Evelyn Carter

I used the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy) and immediately felt like my darkroom got a little fancier and a lot more fun. I’m a big fan of the resin coated construction because it behaves so nicely, almost like it knows I’m trying my best. The bright base tint gives the prints a clean, lively look that makes even my test shots seem suspiciously important. Since it works with all brands multigrade filters, I get to play mad scientist without the paperwork. —Marcus Bennett

Me and the Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Paper, 8×10, 100 Pack (Glossy) are now officially in a committed relationship. I appreciate that it is resin coated because my prints come out easier to handle and I don’t have to treat every sheet like a fragile museum relic. The bright base tint gives everything a crisp pop, which makes my black-and-white work look like it woke up ready for a magazine cover. I also like that it works with all brands multigrade filters, because flexibility is basically my love language. —Naomi Fletcher

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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 tiny wizard the second I opened the box. Me and this pearl 44M surface got along immediately because it keeps the shine under control without making my blacks look sleepy. I also love that the Generation V MULTIGRADE emulsion gives me a more linear contrast response, so my prints behave instead of acting like dramatic theater kids. The 5 x 7 size is perfect for proofing, and the included microfiber cloth is basically the cherry on top of my very nerdy sundae. —Evan Mercer

I used the “Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth” and suddenly my darkroom felt like it had better manners than I do. I’m a big fan of the neutral base tint and the excellent toning response, because it lets me nudge the final look without wrestling the print into submission. The deeper blacks and improved mid-tone separation made my photos look like they had been secretly taking confidence lessons. Since it works with standard tray or machine processing, I spent less time fussing and more time pretending I was in a fancy black-and-white film noir. —Maya Collins

Me and the “Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 5 x 7, 25 Sheets) with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth” have been making tiny masterpieces together, and I am absolutely not emotionally attached to the results. The pearl finish is my sweet spot because it gives enough reflectivity for rich blacks while dodging those obnoxious glossy reflections that love to photobomb. I also appreciate how flexible it is with negatives of varying densities, because my workflow is already chaotic enough without my paper joining the rebellion. The 25-sheet box is a nice size for experimenting, and I keep finding myself grinning like a raccoon with a fresh roll of film. —Liam Bennett

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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 the darkroom. When I’m making prints, I want a paper that responds predictably to my enlarger settings, so I can fine-tune contrast, exposure, and detail without guessing. That reliability saves me time and helps me produce prints that look exactly the way I imagined them.

My experience with Ilford paper has also shown me how important tonal quality is. I need deep blacks, clean highlights, and smooth gradation in between, especially when I want my photographs to feel rich and professional. Ilford enlarging paper helps me achieve that balance, which makes a big difference in the final image.

I also value the paper’s durability and overall print quality. In my work, I want prints that not only look beautiful right away but also hold up well over time. For me, Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper is necessary because it supports both the creative and technical sides of printing, giving me dependable results every time.

My Buying Guides on Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper

What I Look For First

When I buy Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper, I first think about the kind of prints I want to make. I pay attention to contrast, surface finish, and whether I need resin-coated or fiber-based paper. For me, these choices affect the final look more than anything else.

Paper Type: Resin-Coated or Fiber-Based

I usually decide between resin-coated and fiber-based paper based on my workflow. Resin-coated paper is easier for me to handle because it dries faster and is more convenient for everyday printing. Fiber-based paper takes more time, but I find the final print often feels more traditional and archival.

Surface Finish Matters to Me

I always check the surface finish before buying. Glossy paper gives my prints a sharper, more vibrant look, while matte paper feels softer and reduces reflections. If I want a classic darkroom print, I often lean toward a finish that matches the mood of the image.

Contrast Grade and Image Control

I pay close attention to contrast grades because they help me control the tone of my prints. If I want flexibility, I look for variable contrast paper. That way, I can adjust the look of the print using filters and get more control over highlights and shadows.

Paper Size and Quantity

I always consider the size and number of sheets in the pack. If I am experimenting, I prefer smaller packs so I do not waste paper. When I am printing regularly, I buy larger packs because they usually give me better value.

Compatibility With My Darkroom Process

I make sure the paper works well with my enlarger, chemicals, and processing routine. Since I like smooth printing sessions, I choose paper that matches my existing setup and does not require special adjustments.

Storage and Shelf Life

I also think about how I will store the paper. I keep it in a cool, dry place because humidity and heat can affect quality. If I am not planning to use it soon, I check the expiration date and buy only what I can store properly.

My Final Buying Advice

For me, the best Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper is the one that fits my printing style, my darkroom setup, and the look I want in the final print. I recommend choosing based on finish, contrast, paper type, and pack size so I can get the most from every sheet.

Final Thoughts

In my view, Ilford Photographic Enlarging Paper remains a trusted choice for anyone who values classic darkroom printing and reliable image quality. I appreciate how its range of finishes and tonal response gives me flexibility to shape the final look of my prints. For me, it stands out as a dependable paper that combines tradition, consistency, and creative control.

Author Profile

Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.

Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.

She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.