ILFORD MULTIGRADE RC Deluxe Satin Darkroom Paper — 8x10 in, 25 Sheets

ILFORD MULTIGRADE RC DELUXE Satin is the smooth, understated surface choice in the RC DELUXE range. It is useful when you want to spend less attention on the shine of the sheet and more on the photograph. This pack contains 25 sheets of 8x10-inch fifth-generation resin-coated black and white paper.

Print character: smooth with a quieter sheen

Satin avoids the prominent shine of Glossy and the pearlescent appearance of Pearl. Consider it for softly lit portraits, restrained still life or photographs intended for close, relaxed viewing. Its appeal is the presentation you prefer; it can also carry a graphic, forceful image.

A subdued surface is not the same as a low-contrast emulsion. You retain the ability to make distinct blacks and whites or a gentler grey scale through filtration and exposure. Compare actual dry prints under your intended lighting when the surface decision matters.

Understand the colour of a monochrome print

The base tint is neutral and the image tone is neutral-to-warm. Paper white and image colour describe different parts of the print, and neither is determined by choosing Satin instead of Glossy. This is the current RC DELUXE character, not a dedicated warmtone paper or a pre-toned sepia effect.

For a coherent series, choose the finish early and test several representative negatives. A consistent paper surface gives you one fewer variable when comparing a portrait, a bright exterior and a darker interior together.

Contrast remains your decision

With current ILFORD MULTIGRADE filters, grades 00–5 are available from the same stock. Softer grades may help fit a wide negative brightness range into the print; harder grades can give a flatter image more separation. Suitable enlarger-head filtration also works.

Find exposure with a test strip and reassess it when you change filtration or enlargement. Keep notes for the negative, enlarger height, aperture and grade if you intend to print an edition or return later. The ILFORD contrast guide provides equipment-specific starting points.

Convenient processing without a fibre base

Satin's quiet appearance does not bring the longer wash and flattening work associated with traditional fibre paper. The RC construction offers the more manageable wash-and-dry workflow of the DELUXE range. Use a suitable paper safelight and conventional paper developer, stop bath, fixer and washing. It is photographic darkroom paper, not an inkjet medium.

After washing, remove surplus water gently and air-dry; keep wet handling controlled rather than leaving sheets soaking unnecessarily. Handle by the edges and store unused sheets in the original lightproof packaging. Consult the RC paper technical sheet for complete handling instructions.

How to choose the finish

Choose Pearl for a pearlescent surface, or Glossy if a more reflective finish suits the image. If you specifically want a matt surface on traditional fibre paper, compare FB CLASSIC Matt; Satin is its own RC surface, not the same material under another name.

Specifications

• 25 sheets; 8x10 in / 20.3x25.4 cm
• Resin-coated paper; 190gsm base weight
• Satin surface, code 25M
• Neutral base; neutral-to-warm image tone
• Variable-contrast black and white silver gelatin paper