Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl 12 x 16in 10 Sheets

Multigrade is a trademark of Ilford, which means it is a black and white paper developed by them that allows the user to obtain five different grades (and half grades) from a single sheet of paper.

The advantages of buying such a type of paper are distinct from a cost-saving viewpoint. Still, it also gives the printer the chance to experiment with the chosen negative to provide the best possible effect if you need an increase or decrease in contrast.

Ilford still offers the most comprehensive choice on the market with most of their paper available in the three surfaces of Glossy, Pearl (silk with a slight sheen), or Satin (matt sheen, which is only an option with the regular paper).

For value for money, we would suggest you look at Kentmere, also made in the U.K, with a full grade range on offer from 0-5, but if you want full-grade selection and outstanding results we'd recommend Ilford.

Ilford's new Multigrade RC Deluxe is a 190gsm, Resin Coated (plastic coating) paper with a slightly warmer base tint than its predecessor as well as better blacks, improved mid-grade spacing and better toning qualities.

To use Multigrade paper properly, you need a set of Multigrade or equivalent filters to set your required grades (without filters all Multigrade papers will print as a grade 2).

You can use our filters with Ilford or Ilford's as required. You can also use a colour head for Multigrade work, and we can supply colour head settings if needed, inform us of your enlarger and paper that you are using.

Ilford also makes specific developers for each type of Multigrade paper on offer, meaning you can even better results for your prints.