Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Satin 5 x 7in 25 Sheets

Multigrade is a trademark of Ilford, which means it is a type of 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 obvious from a cost-saving viewpoint but it also gives the printer the chance to experiment with the chosen negative to give the best possible effect if you need an increase or decrease in contrast.

Over the years other companies have also introduced variable contrast paper to compete with Ilford although Ilford still offer the widest 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 normal 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.

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 own 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 required, just inform us of your enlarger and paper that you are using.

There is an additional reason to purchase Ilford's multigrade paper this year as they now make specific developers for each type of Multigrade paper on offer meaning you can even better results for your prints.