AD5803 - ILFORD paper types

BASE: RESIN COATED VS FIBRE BASE VS COTTON RAG

The first choice to make for darkroom prints is which kind of paper we want to use. The two major base types of paper are: 'Resin coated' (RC) or 'Fibre base' (FB), furthermore there is also Cotton Rag paper which is similar to fine art inkjet papers.

Resin Coated paper is sealed between layers of polythene with the emulsion and a 'super-coating' on top. This makes them a typically more robust paper and therefore quicker and easier to handle during the printing process. Because of this they are ideal for beginners although they are also extremely popular with experienced / professional printers too.

Fibre Base paper has a layer of baryta (barium sulphate) applied to the paper base which is then coated with emulsion. These papers have a hand-crafted look and feel and a heavier weight which can result in prints of superb quality with deep blacks that make prints look richer and add depth.

The image on the print can also be enhanced from showing texture as a result of emulsion being coated onto the grain of this type of base. They are also particularly suitable for toning applications, and when correctly processed, FB papers are stable and perfect for archiving (especially if they have been selenium toned).

The handling and processing of FB paper is typically more demanding than RC papers and the process itself is longer (primarily due to needing a long wash time). They are therefore recommended for more confident and experienced printers and have become the choice of professional photographers / printers for exhibition work.

Note - all of our papers use chlorobromide based emulsions.

GRADE: VARIABLE CONTRAST PAPERS VERSUS FIXED GRADE PAPER

The next choice will be whether to use a variable contrast or a fixed grade paper.

Variable contrast papers are designed to be used in conjunction with MULTIGRADE filters or an enlarger with a colour head. This allows the full range of contrast (00 soft through to 5 hard) to be attained from negatives. If variable contrast paper is used without any filters it equates to approximately grades 2-3.

Fixed grade papers are designed for use without filters and therefore avoid the added cost of buying filter kits. Graded papers were traditionally very popular but have largely been replaced by variable contrast papers. As such the ILFORD range only includes grades 2 and 3.

Graded papers can be an excellent option if your negatives are correctly exposed and if end prints can be acceptable as a mid contrast. However, if your processed film negatives have extremes of highlights and shadows or high contrast areas then graded paper can be more restrictive. Variable contrast papers are better at compensating with different negatives because of their ability to cover a broad contrast range.

SURFACE

The surface of the paper will help determine the final look and feel of the print. There are a number of choices and this is where personal preference and the image you are printing will determine which one you go for.

Glossy - a smooth surface that can boost contrast and make blacks pop and whites shine bright.

Pearl - a subtle pearlescent finish that helps images look sharp and clear with added depth.

Satin - a smooth finish without the shine of gloss or pearl but all the contrast.

Matt - a smooth, clean and natural looking surface without the shine of gloss. Perfect for lighting conditions were reflections may impact the viewing of a gloss paper.

Semi-matt - a smooth and natural looking finish with similar qualities and attributes to most matt surfaces.

IMAGE TONE

Many ILFORD papers have a choice of tone covering cool, neutral and warmtone. Images can also be toned using chemistry as part of the printing process with FB papers particularly suited to this.