ILFORD MULTIGRADE FB Warmtone Semi-Matt Darkroom Paper — 8x10 in, 25 Sheets

ILFORD MULTIGRADE FB Warmtone Semi-Matt suits a printer who wants warmth and a relatively quiet surface in the same photograph. Choose it for a finished print whose colour and presentation matter as much as the negative: a portrait for a portfolio, a still life for display or a landscape you want to interpret with a warmer tonal character.

Warm image, warm-white base

There are two separate sources of colour here. The developed silver image has a warm-black tone, and the paper beneath it has a warm-white tint. That base colour is especially easy to judge in borders and clear highlights. The result will depend on your processing choices as well as the paper; developer choice and the washing method can affect the final image colour. Keep those variables consistent when making a series, and judge the dried print alongside any other papers that will share the same display.

What semi-matt changes

The semi-matt finish gives a less reflective presentation than Warmtone Glossy. It is worth considering for photographs viewed closely or handled in a portfolio, where a restrained sheen may suit the work. Try it with soft window light, weathered surfaces, foliage or gentle transitions in skin tones. These are starting points for selection, not rules about what the paper can print.

Surface finish and contrast are separate decisions. If the print feels too soft, assess exposure and filtration before concluding that a different surface is necessary. Equally, increasing contrast will not turn semi-matt into a glossy print. Compare dry samples under the intended viewing light to decide which appearance you prefer.

Making the first print

Use current MULTIGRADE filters or a compatible variable contrast or colour enlarger head. The filter system covers grades 00 to 5, with lower settings giving softer contrast. A midrange filter is a practical first test; then refine the highlight-to-shadow relationship for your negative. ILFORD specifically excludes old MULTIGRADE II/III filters from its current compatibility recommendation. The FB Warmtone technical sheet explains filtration and processing considerations.

The fibre-paper workflow

The baryta-coated fibre support needs a proper fibre-paper washing and finishing routine. Budget time for drying, possible curl and flattening before mounting or sleeving. RC proofing can help you choose negatives and compositions, but establish your final settings on Warmtone itself.

Open the pack under a suitable paper safelight. Develop, stop, fix and wash according to the chemistry and paper instructions, using a timer rather than pulling a print early to correct exposure. ILFORD recommends non-hardening fixer and cautions that extended fixing can affect image quality and colour. For drying, follow its paper-specific guidance; belt dryers and photographic blotters can cause sticking. This paper is intended for chemical darkroom printing.

Toning and long-term care

Warmtone is particularly receptive to toning, making it a useful choice if colour adjustment will be part of the finished work. Make the basic print first, then use a test print to judge how a toner changes it. Follow the manufacturer's product guidance and processing instructions. Print permanence depends on the whole process, including washing and later storage; a paper name or toner alone does not establish a lifespan.

Which alternative to choose

Choose Warmtone Glossy if you want the same warmtone family with a more reflective finish. Compare FB Classic Matt for a neutral image on a white base, or RC Deluxe Satin when simpler processing and drying are the priority.