Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl vs Glossy: Which Surface to Pick
By Firstcall Photographic | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Comparisons
Pearl or glossy? Compare Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe surfaces by size, sheen and handling so you can pick the right pack for your darkroom prints.
Quick answer
Pick the Pearl 12 x 16in 50-sheet pack when you want a softer, less reflective finish for larger exhibition-style prints. Choose the Glossy 5 x 7in 100-sheet pack when you need bright, high-contrast small prints for contact sheets, proofing or handouts.
Surface changes how you read a print
Pearl and glossy RC papers both use a resin coating, but the surface texture changes how light reflects off the print. Glossy sends highlights straight back at the viewer, which can make blacks look deeper and fine detail appear crisper. Pearl scatters reflections slightly, so it hides minor surface marks and reads more evenly under mixed room light.
That difference matters most with large prints. At 12 x 16in, a glossy sheet acts almost like a mirror under a spotlight, while pearl keeps the image visible from wider angles. At 5 x 7in, the effect is smaller, and glossy's punch often wins for quick proof prints.
Size and pack count drive the real decision
These two packs are not just different finishes; they are different working formats. The Pearl option is 12 x 16in in 50 sheets, which suits final prints from medium or large format negatives. The Glossy option is 5 x 7in in 100 sheets, which suits test strips, contact prints and small finished prints.
If you mainly print 35mm negatives at small sizes, a 12 x 16in sheet wastes paper unless you cut it down. If you regularly print large, a 5 x 7in pack will not cover your final output. Match the pack to your usual negative size first, then choose the surface.
The Multigrade variable applies to both
Both packs are Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe, so both let you obtain five full grades and half grades from a single sheet. That means the surface comparison is not about contrast control; it is about how the final image reads and how much paper you get in each size.
Because both are Multigrade, you can split-grade or adjust filtration on either surface without changing your workflow. The trade-off is purely visual and practical: sheen versus size.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Pearl surface: Softer sheen hides minor surface marks and reduces glare under display lighting, but highlights look less brilliant than glossy. Choose pearl if your prints will be framed or viewed under spotlights.
- Glossy surface: Higher reflectivity gives deeper blacks and crisper detail, but it shows fingerprints and surface scratches more readily. Handle glossy sheets by the edges and inspect them under angled light before drying.
- Sheet size and pack count: 12 x 16in at 50 sheets versus 5 x 7in at 100 sheets: the larger pack costs more per sheet but covers final prints, while the smaller pack is cheaper per sheet for proofing. Buy the size that matches your negative format before comparing surface.
Product facts
- Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl 12 x 16in 50 Sheets: Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl in 12 x 16in, 50 sheets, priced at USD 85.80. The large sheet size suits final prints, and the pearl surface reduces glare compared with glossy.
Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl 12 x 16in 50 Sheets - Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Glossy 5 x 7in 100 Sheets: Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Glossy in 5 x 7in, 100 sheets, priced at USD 32.79. The small, high-sheen sheets are economical for proofing and small prints where punch matters more than glare control.
Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Glossy 5 x 7in 100 Sheets
Which should you buy?
Best for
- Photographers printing medium or large format negatives who want a softer, glare-resistant finish
- Darkroom users who frame or display prints under mixed lighting
Not for
- Printers who mainly proof 35mm negatives at small sizes and want to avoid cutting down large sheets
- Anyone who needs maximum highlight brilliance and accepts higher reflectivity
