Best Darkroom Enlarging Paper (2026 Guide)
Selections prioritized products with high aggregate ratings and review volume, covering varied paper bases, finishes, and common darkroom sizes
The Verdict
- Best Overall: Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe enlarging paper 8x10 — Ideal for black-and-white RC printing: consistent multigrade response and a durable deluxe RC surface for studio use
- Best Premium: Ilford Fiber Based B&W Paper 8x10, 100 Sheet Glossy — Built for archival fiber printing: fiber-based 8x10 glossy sheets provide deep tonal range and long-term stability
This roundup covers top-rated darkroom enlarging papers for black-and-white and color printing, selected for consistent image quality, surface finish, and lab- or studio-ready formats. Picks were chosen by aggregating star ratings and review volume, then verifying brand reputation, paper type (RC vs fiber), and common sheet sizes
Top Picks
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1
Best Overall Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe enlarging paper 8x10
Ideal for black-and-white RC printing: consistent multigrade response and a durable deluxe RC surface for studio use
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl paper for darkroom enlarging. Delivers notable color contrast and quality as noted by users
- noted for strong contrast
- reliable paper quality
- pearl surface finish
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2
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe RC VC paper 8x10
Great for controlled contrast work: RC VC construction with multigrade flexibility for versatile darkroom printing
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe VC paper for darkroom enlarging, 8x10, glossy surface, 25 sheets. Notable for print quality and value for money, with positive color tone remarks
- vc variable contrast capability
- rc resin-coated for durability
- 8x10 size with glossy finish
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3
8.5 x 11 Neenah 3G Jet-Opaque Dark Colors 25 Pack
Handy for small-format projects: compact 8.5x11 sheets with opaque dark colors suited to craft and proofing tasks
Neenah 3G Jet-Opaque dark colors paper in 8.5 x 11, pack of 25. Suitable for darkroom enlarging with opaque finish. Customer insight hints mixed reactions
- Jet-Opaque finish
- dark colors for contrast
- 25-sheet pack
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4
Fujifilm 8x10 Crystal Archive Type II Glossy Enlarging Paper
Designed for high-contrast glossy results: Crystal Archive Type II chemistry delivers strong sharpness and longevity
Fujifilm 8x10 Crystal Archive Type II glossy enlarging paper for color accuracy and image stability. Delivers increased contrast with rich blacks and bright whites. Customer insight mentions effective color reproduction
- true-to-life color reproduction
- enhanced contrast range
- image stability
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5
Fujifilm 8x10 Crystal Archive II Matte Enlarging Paper
Best for a subdued look: Crystal Archive II matte finish yields low-glare prints with stable archival coating
Fujifilm 8x10 Matte enlarging paper with true-to-life color and archival stability. Resists fading for long-lasting prints. 8x10 paper weight provides a sturdy feel. Customer notes indicate positive impressions
- true-to-life color accuracy
- excellent archival quality
- sturdy 8x10 paper weight
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6
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl 5x7 paper
Good for compact B&W workflows: pearl-surfaced multigrade RC paper tailored to smaller 5x7 enlargements
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Pearl 5x7 paper. Provides classic black-and-white enlarging results with a pearlescent finish. Customer insight mentions notable satisfaction from the product line
- pearl surface
- 5x7 format
- brand integrity
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7
Best Premium Ilford Fiber Based B&W Paper 8x10, 100 Sheet Glossy
Built for archival fiber printing: fiber-based 8x10 glossy sheets provide deep tonal range and long-term stability
Fiber-based darkroom paper in 8x10, 100-sheet box with glossy finish. Noted for clean whites and velvety blacks, with mixed feedback on thickness
- double weight fiber-based media
- 8x10 size
- glossy finish