Quick answer

Start with Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl for a balanced neutral tone and reliable results. Choose Multigrade Warmtone for warmer, softer portraits or Kentmere VC Select for faster exposures on a budget.

Tone and paper base matter more than you think

The paper base color and emulsion tone directly affect the mood of your print. Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl produces a clean neutral black-and-white image on a bright white base, while the Warmtone version shifts toward a brown-black image on a slightly warmer base. Kentmere VC Select uses a bright white base with a neutral-to-cool tone, which can make highlights look crisper.

If you print portraits or landscapes where a classic warm feel is desired, the Warmtone paper gives that look without additional toning. For general work or high-contrast subjects, the neutral or cool options are more forgiving and punchier.

Speed differences save time in production

Kentmere VC Select is about one stop faster than most variable contrast papers, including the Ilford Multigrade RC series. That means you can cut exposure times by roughly half, which adds up when printing many sheets.

The trade-off is that faster paper can be less forgiving of exposure errors and may require finer adjustment of your enlarger settings. If you are still learning or work with thin negatives, the slower Ilford papers give you more room to dial in exposure.

Surface choice: Pearl vs. Fine Lustre

All three papers mentioned are available in a pearl or fine lustre finish, which sits between glossy and matte. It reduces reflections while retaining good detail and depth. Pearl is the standard for Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe and Warmtone; Kentmere VC Select Fine Lustre is a similar low-glare surface.

If you plan to scan or display prints under glass, a pearl or lustre surface is a safe choice. For maximum sharpness and contrast, choose a glossy version when available.

Decision rules for choosing your paper

  • 1. Match tone to subject: Use Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl for general work, landscapes, and high-contrast subjects. Choose Multigrade Warmtone for portraits, vintage-style prints, or when you want a softer, warmer image.
  • 2. Consider speed for your workflow: Pick Kentmere VC Select if you print many sheets and need faster exposures (about half the time). Stick with Ilford Multigrade RC if you prefer more exposure latitude or work with thin negatives.
  • 3. Surface finish for display: Choose pearl or fine lustre for a low-glare finish that still shows detail. If you plan to frame under glass, either works well; for maximum sharpness, consider a glossy option instead. Once you decide on tone and speed, the surface choice is largely about your display preference.

Product facts at a glance

  • Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl 9.5 x 12in 50 Sheets: Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl 9.5x12in 50 sheets: a variable contrast paper that delivers five grades and half grades from one sheet, saving cost and allowing creative control. You can adjust contrast with filters instead of stocking multiple graded papers, making it a versatile choice for most negatives.

    Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl 9.5 x 12in 50 Sheets

    Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl 9.5 x 12in 50 Sheets

  • Ilford Multigrade Warmtone RC Pearl 9.5 x 12in 50 Sheets: Ilford Multigrade Warmtone RC Pearl 9.5x12in 50 sheets: produces a warmer image tone than the neutral RC Deluxe, with a slightly softer look. Ideal for portraits or fine art prints where a classic, warm black-and-white aesthetic is desired without post-processing toning.

    Ilford Multigrade Warmtone RC Pearl 9.5 x 12in 50 Sheets

    Ilford Multigrade Warmtone RC Pearl 9.5 x 12in 50 Sheets

  • Kentmere VC Select Fine Lustre 9.5 x 12in 50 Sheets: Kentmere VC Select Fine Lustre 9.5x12in 50 sheets: a medium-weight, resin-coated multi-contrast bromide-iodide paper with neutral-to-cool tones and a bright white base. It is about one stop faster than most VC papers, significantly reducing exposure times for high-volume or production printing.

Who should buy which paper

Best for

  • Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl: all-around darkroom printing with neutral tones and reliable contrast control
  • Ilford Multigrade Warmtone: portrait and fine art printers who want a warm, classic black-and-white look
  • Kentmere VC Select: high-volume or production printers who need faster exposures and a neutral-to-cool tone

Not for

  • Printers who need a warm tone should not choose Kentmere VC Select or Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl
  • Those who want the fastest possible exposure times should not choose the Ilford Multigrade RC papers