Choosing the right black and white enlarging paper can make a bigger difference than many printers expect. Surface, contrast response, and base type all affect how your final print looks and feels.
Below, we’ve narrowed the field to the most useful Ilford options for darkroom photographers who want dependable tonal control and consistent results in 2026.
Best 10 Black and White Enlarging Paper Picks for 2026
Classic RC Glossy VC
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe 8x10
- Variable contrast enlarging paper
- Glossy resin-coated surface
- 25 sheets in 8x10 size
Best For: Glossy black and white enlargements with flexible contrast control
Pearl Surface VC
Ilford Multigrade V RC Deluxe 8x10
- Pearl-surface variable contrast paper
- 190gsm resin-coated base
- 25-sheet 8x10 pack
Best For: Detailed enlargements with reduced glare and contrast flexibility
Fiber Base Classic Glossy
Ilford Multigrade FB Classic 8x10
- Fiber-based enlarging paper
- Glossy black and white finish
- 25 sheets in 8x10 size
Best For: Classic fiber-based black and white prints with a glossy finish
Compact Pearl VC
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe 5x7
- 5x7 resin-coated enlarging paper
- Pearl surface with reduced glare
- Seven grades of variable contrast
Best For: Smaller black and white enlargements with flexible contrast control
Classic Glossy RC
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe 8x10
- Glossy resin-coated black and white enlarging paper
- 8x10 sheets in a 100-pack
- Compatible with all brands of multigrade filters
Best For: darkroom printers who want glossy RC paper with easy contrast control
Pearl Surface RC
Ilford Multigrade V RC Deluxe 8x10
- Pearl-surface black and white enlarging paper
- Neutral base tint with 190gsm RC construction
- 100 sheets in 8x10 size
Best For: printers wanting a balanced pearl finish and neutral base tint
Fiber-Based Classic
- Fiber-based black and white enlarging paper
- Double-weight glossy 8x10 sheets
- 100-sheet pack with multigrade grade
Best For: users who prefer a traditional fiber-based glossy print
Pearl RC Deluxe
8x10 25-sheet pearl VC enlarging paper
- Variable-contrast RC paper
- Pearl surface in 8x10 format
- 25-sheet pack for darkroom printing
Best For: Printers wanting a balanced pearl finish in a standard 8x10 VC paper.
Portfolio Pearl Pack
4x6 100-sheet pearl VC enlarging paper
- 100-sheet supply for frequent printing
- Resin-coated variable-contrast paper
- Pearl double-weight finish
Best For: High-volume users needing a compact 4x6 Ilford paper pack.
Glossy Deluxe VC
8x10 glossy 25-sheet VC enlarging paper
- Glossy 8x10 resin-coated paper
- Rich blacks and sparkling whites
- Wide tonal range for VC printing
Best For: Printers wanting a glossy finish with strong tonal contrast in 8x10 size.
Classic RC Glossy VC – Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe 8×10
For black and white enlarging paper with a clean, traditional look, this Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe sheet pack is built for straightforward darkroom printing. The resin-coated base and glossy surface are aimed at sharp enlargements with strong tonal separation, and the variable contrast grade gives you flexibility when working with different negatives.
Best For: Darkroom printers who want a glossy 8×10 resin-coated paper for variable-contrast black and white enlargements.
Pros:
- Variable contrast grading supports flexible printing control
- Glossy RC surface is suited to crisp, traditional-looking prints
- 8×10 size and 25-sheet pack fit standard enlarging workflows
Cons:
- Glossy finish can show more reflections than pearl or matte surfaces
- Resin-coated paper is not the same as fiber-based paper
This is a practical choice if you want a dependable enlarging paper with a familiar glossy finish and adjustable contrast. It keeps the format simple and the specs focused on core darkroom use.
Pearl Surface VC – Ilford Multigrade V RC Deluxe 8×10
If you want black and white enlarging paper that balances tonal range with a more subdued surface, this Ilford Multigrade V RC Deluxe pack is worth a look. The pearl finish helps reduce glare and fingerprints, while the variable contrast design and resin-coated base are built for consistent enlargements and strong image sharpness.
Best For: Enlargers who want pearl-surface, variable-contrast paper for detailed black and white prints.
Pros:
- Variable contrast paper offers useful control over print contrast
- Pearl surface reduces glare compared with glossy finishes
- 190gsm base and RC construction support crisp, professional-looking prints
- 8×10 format works well for enlarging workflows
Cons:
- Pearl texture is less reflective than glossy if you specifically want a high-shine look
- Not water resistant
Compared with a glossy paper, this version leans toward a more balanced presentation and easier handling. It is a solid general-purpose darkroom paper for photographers who want contrast control without a bright reflective surface.
Fiber Base Classic Glossy – Ilford Multigrade FB Classic 8×10
For photographers shopping for black and white enlarging paper with a more traditional fiber-based feel, this Ilford Multigrade FB Classic pack stands out. It uses a glossy fiber base and is packaged as 25 sheets in 8×10, making it a straightforward option for classic darkroom prints.
Best For: Photographers who prefer fiber-based glossy paper for black and white enlargements.
Pros:
- Fiber-based construction offers a classic enlarging-paper option
- Glossy surface supports deep, traditional-looking prints
- 25-sheet 8×10 pack is convenient for regular darkroom work
Cons:
- Glossy finish may produce more visible reflections
- Not water resistant
This paper is a strong fit if your workflow favors fiber-base materials over resin-coated sheets. It keeps the format simple and direct for those who want a familiar glossy black and white print surface.
Compact Pearl VC – Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe 5×7
This black and white enlarging paper is a compact 5×7 version of Ilford’s Multigrade IV RC Deluxe, aimed at general darkroom enlargements. The pearl surface is designed to reduce strong reflections while still keeping some sheen, and the variable contrast grade gives you seven full grades of contrast during printing.
Best For: Darkroom users who want a smaller 5×7 variable-contrast paper with a pearl surface.
Pros:
- Seven full grades of contrast support flexible printing
- Pearl finish reduces glare compared with glossy paper
- Resin-coated base is suitable for tray or machine processing
- Can be used with conventional black and white negatives and chromogenic black and white negative films
Cons:
- 5×7 size is smaller than standard 8×10 enlarging paper
- Not water resistant
If you need a smaller sheet size for proofs, contact sheets, or compact enlargements, this pack is easy to work into a darkroom routine. Its pearl surface and broad contrast range make it a practical all-around choice.
Classic Glossy RC – Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe 8×10
If you want black and white enlarging paper with a bright glossy look and the convenience of resin-coated handling, this Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe sheet paper is a straightforward option. The 8×10 size, 100-sheet pack, and compatibility with multigrade filters make it a practical pick for darkroom printing when you want consistent contrast control.
Best For: Darkroom printers who want glossy RC black and white enlarging paper with multigrade filter compatibility.
Pros:
- Resin-coated paper for easier handling
- Glossy finish with a bright base tint
- Works with all brands of multigrade filters
- 100-sheet 8×10 pack for repeat printing
Cons:
- Glossy finish may not suit every presentation style
- Single paper size only
- Not described as water resistant
This is a solid utility-focused choice if your workflow centers on conventional darkroom enlargements and you prefer the look of glossy RC paper. The bright base tint and filter compatibility make it easy to build prints with predictable results.
Pearl Surface RC – Ilford Multigrade V RC Deluxe 8×10
Ilford Multigrade V RC Deluxe Pearl Surface Black & White Photo Paper, 190gsm, 8x10, 100 Sheets
Check Price On AmazonThis black and white enlarging paper is aimed at printers who want a pearl surface and a neutral base tint in a medium-weight resin-coated sheet. At 8×10 inches and 100 sheets per pack, it fits a practical darkroom routine where you want a balanced surface finish without moving away from standard RC paper handling.
Best For: Printmakers who want pearl-surface black and white enlarging paper with a neutral base tint.
Pros:
- Pearl surface for a less reflective look than glossy
- Neutral base tint for balanced print presentation
- 190gsm medium-weight resin-coated paper
- 100-sheet 8×10 pack
Cons:
- Not water resistant
- Only one paper size listed
- May not suit users who specifically want a glossy finish
Overall, this is a practical middle-ground choice in the black and white enlarging paper category if you prefer a pearl surface over high gloss. The combination of neutral base tint and RC construction makes it a versatile darkroom staple.
Fiber-Based Classic – Ilford Multigrade IV FB 8×10
If you want black and white enlarging paper in a traditional fiber-based format, this Ilford Multigrade IV FB Classic paper is built for a classic darkroom workflow. It comes in 8×10 sheets with a glossy surface and double-weight construction, making it a straightforward choice for enlargements where paper feel and finish matter.
Best For: Darkroom users who want fiber-based black and white enlarging paper with a glossy surface.
Pros:
- Fiber-based paper base
- Double-weight construction
- Glossy surface for a classic print look
- 100-sheet 8×10 pack
Cons:
- Not water resistant
- Only the listed 8×10 size
- Heavier fiber-based construction may be less convenient than RC paper
This is the most traditional-feeling option here for photographers who prefer fiber-based black and white enlarging paper over resin-coated sheets. The glossy surface and multigrade paper grade make it well suited to a classic enlarging setup.
Pearl RC Deluxe – 8×10 25-sheet pearl VC enlarging paper
If you want black and white enlarging paper with a balanced finish, this Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe sheet pack is built for variable-contrast printing on an 8×10 format. The resin-coated base and pearl surface make it a practical choice for darkroom work when you want a dependable all-around paper size and surface.
Best For: Darkroom printers who want an 8×10 resin-coated VC paper with a pearl finish.
Pros:
- Variable-contrast Multigrade IV paper for flexible printing control
- Resin-coated base for practical darkroom handling
- Pearl surface offers a balanced look
- 25-sheet pack in standard 8×10 size
Cons:
- Only 25 sheets per pack
- Not water resistant
- Pearl surface may not suit everyone’s preferred look
This is a straightforward choice if you want a familiar Ilford black and white enlarging paper in a versatile size and finish. It suits printers who value consistency and a practical pearl surface over specialty effects.
Portfolio Pearl Pack – 4×6 100-sheet pearl VC enlarging paper
This black and white enlarging paper is geared toward high-count printing in a smaller 4×6 format, with a pearl double-weight finish and resin-coated base. If you need an Ilford variable-contrast paper for frequent use, the 100-sheet pack gives you plenty of stock for testing, proofing, or repeat printing.
Best For: High-volume darkroom users who want a 4×6 pearl VC paper pack.
Pros:
- 100-sheet pack for longer print runs
- Variable-contrast Ilford Multigrade IV paper
- Resin-coated base for easy handling
- Pearl double-weight surface
Cons:
- Smaller 4×6 size limits larger print use
- Not water resistant
- Paper grade is listed as 3, which may not suit every workflow
For photographers who print often, this pack is attractive mainly because of the quantity and familiar Ilford VC construction. The pearl surface and compact size make it a practical option for proofing and everyday darkroom work.
Glossy Deluxe VC – 8×10 glossy 25-sheet VC enlarging paper
For photographers who prefer a punchier surface, this black and white enlarging paper combines Ilford Multigrade IV VC construction with a glossy finish. The resin-coated base, rich blacks, sparkling whites, and wide tonal range make it a practical 8×10 option for darkroom printing when contrast and surface impact matter.
Best For: Darkroom printers who want glossy 8×10 VC paper with strong tonal separation.
Pros:
- Glossalry surface for a more reflective print look
- Variable-contrast Multigrade IV RC Deluxe paper
- Rich blacks and sparkling whites noted in the product details
- Wide tonal range for flexible printing
Cons:
- Only 25 sheets in the pack
- Not water resistant
- Glossy surface may not suit every print style
This is a solid pick if you want the classic Ilford VC workflow with a glossy finish and a standard 8×10 sheet size. It is best suited to printers who want strong blacks, bright whites, and a more reflective presentation.
How We Picked the Best Black and White Enlarging Paper
We focused on papers that are widely used in real darkroom workflows, with an emphasis on predictable contrast, consistent coating, and format options that suit common enlarger setups. The list favors trusted Ilford multigrade papers because they give printers flexible contrast control and dependable performance.
We also considered surface choice, base type, and pack size so you can match the paper to portrait work, contact-style prints, test strips, or larger print runs.
Quick Comparison
If you want the most versatile all-around option, resin-coated variable contrast papers are usually the easiest place to start. Pearl surfaces tend to balance detail and glare, while glossy surfaces can deliver a deeper, more classic tonal look. Fiber-based papers are better suited to traditional printing, longer processing, and a more archival feel.
Common Use Cases
RC papers are ideal for fast processing and everyday printing. FB papers are preferred when print permanence, texture, and a more premium finish matter most. Smaller formats are useful for proofing or specialty prints, while 8×10 sheets remain the most practical standard for many darkroom users.
Key Buying Factors for Black and White Enlarging Paper
First, check contrast grade compatibility. Multigrade papers let you fine-tune contrast with filters or enlarger settings, which is important if you print a range of negatives. Next, choose your surface: glossy usually increases perceived depth and separation, while pearl reduces reflections and can be easier to view under room light.
Base type matters too. Resin-coated Black and White Enlarging Paper is faster to wash and dry, making it a strong choice for beginners and high-volume printing. Fiber-based paper takes more time but often rewards careful printers with a richer, more traditional final print. Also confirm sheet size and pack count so you are not overbuying or undersupplying for your workflow.
Who Should Buy Which Black and White Enlarging Paper?
Beginners and students should usually start with RC pearl or glossy paper for easier handling and faster turnaround. If you print portraits, landscapes, or exhibition images and want a more refined finish, fiber-based options are worth the extra processing time. If you need flexibility, choose a variable-contrast RC paper in 8×10 sheets so you can test, refine, and print confidently without wasting materials.
For photographers building a reliable darkroom supply, Black and White Enlarging Paper from Ilford remains a safe, practical choice because it covers most printing needs without forcing you to commit to one look or workflow.