Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper (Pearl, 8x10in, 25 Sheets) 1180255

Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Paper is a premium variable-contrast black and white enlarging paper designed for photographers who want excellent tonal control, dependable darkroom performance, and a beautiful finished print surface. This version features a pearl finish that offers a subtle luster between glossy and matte, helping reduce distracting reflections while still preserving strong apparent sharpness and rich image depth. In this 8 x 10 inch, 25-sheet pack, it is a practical choice for darkroom enthusiasts, students, educators, and fine art printers looking for a versatile resin-coated paper for everyday printing and polished final results.

MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe is part of Ilford's long-respected black and white printing lineup and is known for delivering clean whites, deep blacks, smooth midtones, and responsive contrast control. When used with MULTIGRADE filters or a variable-contrast enlarger head, it allows you to tailor print contrast to the negative, making it suitable for everything from soft, delicate portraits to punchy documentary or landscape images.

This paper combines the convenience of resin-coated construction with the image quality expected from Ilford darkroom materials. RC papers process faster than fiber-based papers, wash more quickly, and dry flatter, making them especially appealing for efficient workflow, classroom settings, and photographers making multiple prints in a session.

• Variable-contrast black and white enlarging paper
• Pearl surface for balanced sheen and reduced glare
• Resin-coated base for fast processing and drying
• 8 x 10 inch sheet size for darkroom printing and presentation
• 25 sheets per pack
• Excellent tonal scale with strong D-max and highlight separation

The pearl finish is often favored by printers who want a professional-looking surface that avoids the high reflectivity of glossy paper but still retains crisp detail and vibrant tonal separation. It works especially well for portraiture, street photography, documentary projects, and general exhibition prints where viewing conditions may vary. The texture and sheen help minimize fingerprints and make prints easier to view under display lighting.

One of the biggest strengths of Ilford MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe is its variable contrast design. Rather than being limited to a fixed paper grade, photographers can alter contrast using under-the-lens filters, above-the-lens filter systems, or color/VC enlarger heads. This flexibility means one box of paper can accommodate a wide variety of negatives, from flat originals that need more punch to contrasty negatives that benefit from softer grading.

For darkroom workers refining their technique, this makes the paper highly educational as well as practical. You can experiment with grade changes, split-grade printing, burning and dodging, and exposure adjustments without changing paper families. That consistency helps streamline workflow and supports repeatable results.

Ilford papers are trusted for their predictable emulsion behavior and attractive image rendition. MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe is valued for its broad tonal scale, enabling subtle gradation in highlights and shadows while still producing satisfying black density. Skin tones reproduce naturally, textures remain well-defined, and fine negative detail can be translated effectively into the print. This makes the paper suitable for both contact with classic darkroom techniques and more refined exhibition output.

The resin-coated base makes this paper especially convenient for photographers who want efficient sessions in the darkroom. Compared with traditional fiber-based paper, RC paper generally requires shorter wash times and dries more quickly and more flat. That can be a major benefit when making test strips, classroom assignments, portfolio edits, or multiple final prints in a single day.

Because the sheets handle easily and are less demanding in finishing than fiber papers, MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe is often recommended for beginners learning black and white printing, while still being more than capable enough for experienced printers who want dependable, high-quality output.

• Black and white enlargements from film negatives
• Darkroom classes and educational use
• Proof prints and work prints
• Final prints for portfolios and presentations
• Portrait, street, documentary, and landscape photography
• Split-grade and contrast-controlled printing techniques

Compared with glossy RC paper, the pearl version offers a more understated presentation and better resistance to distracting glare under room or gallery lighting. Compared with matte surfaces, pearl typically preserves a stronger sense of sharpness and richer visual snap. Compared with fiber-based alternatives, this RC paper is much faster and easier to process, making it ideal for practical darkroom use where speed, consistency, and convenience matter.

To get the best results from this paper, pair it with essential black and white darkroom supplies. Useful companions include ILFORD MULTIGRADE contrast filters, a safelight appropriate for black and white paper handling, paper developer, stop bath, fixer, print tongs, archival storage sleeves, and a grain focuser for precise enlarger setup. A print washer, timer, easel, and exposure test strip workflow can further improve consistency and efficiency.

• Store unopened and opened paper in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity
• Handle sheets by the edges to minimize fingerprints and surface marks
• Use test strips before committing to full-sheet prints
• Adjust contrast with MULTIGRADE filters to match the density range of your negative
• Keep chemical trays fresh and properly sequenced for the most consistent print quality
• Allow finished prints to dry fully before evaluation under neutral lighting

Ilford has been one of the most respected names in black and white photography for generations, supplying films, papers, and chemistry that have shaped darkroom practice worldwide. The MULTIGRADE line became especially influential because it gave printers flexible contrast control without requiring multiple boxes of fixed-grade paper. MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe continues that tradition by combining classic monochrome darkroom values with modern convenience and consistency.

• Brand: Ilford
• Product line: MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe
• Paper type: Black and white enlarging paper
• Contrast type: Variable contrast
• Surface finish: Pearl
• Sheet size: 8 x 10 inches
• Quantity: 25 sheets
• Base type: Resin coated
• UPC: 019498179587
• Manufacturer number: 1179585