#darkroomtechniques

Like film, printing paper is coated with emulsion containing light sensitive compounds. There are various types of paper that will produce different outcomes when printing and overall aesthetic. Papers differ from emulsion, base, weight, contrast, grade, surface and size. 

Emulsion

Different emulsions produce variations in sensitivity and final image colour/ tone. This results from the proportions of sensitive silver salts used. 

Generally, 

Silver chloride = Warmer and slower the paper. 

Silver bromide = Cooler and faster the paper. 

Base  

There are two base types within print paper: fibre based (FB) and resin coated (RC) 

Fibre Based: 

- A highly refined wood pulp base.

- Absorb all processing solutions into their core. 

- Needs careful processing and thorough wash. 

- Good quality with archival properties. 

Resin Coated:

- Thin plastic layer on each side prevents chemical penetration. Reduces wash time. 

- Used for convenience as its quick and drys flat. 

- Gives a gloss feel.

- Image quality not as high and less permanent. 

Weight

The base thickness can come in different weights; single (140gsm), double (240gsm) and premium/ museum (300gsm). 

Surface

There are several photographic surface for paper; glossy, pearl, matt, lustre or stipple. Each give a different style/ presentation to your image. 

Glossy: Renders the deepest blacks, wide tonal range. 

Pearl: Like gloss but with a sheen instead of high gloss. 

Matt: Reduced tonal range as it diffuses reflections, less black. 

Lustre: Keeps deep blacks with textured surface, grain gets lost. 

Contrast Grade

There are two types of paper in terms of contrast grading: Fixed Grade papers and Multigrade/ Variable Contrast. 

Fixed Grade: 

- Low number means low contrast (soft) and high number means high contrast (hard). 

- The grade of paper is chosen to match the negative giving the contrast required in the print. e.g. An under exposed negative will need a higher grade. 

Multigrade or Variable Contrast:

- Carries no grade number and therefore, contrast is controlled through selection of yellow and magenta filters. 

- The paper carries two emulsions, one of low contrast sensitive to yellow light and the other high contrast responding to magenta. 

Size 

Different film developers can be used to achieve various desirable effects. There are a range of companies that provide these. The most common being Ilford. Others include; Rollei; Kodak; Champion; Fotospeed; Rodinal; Tetenal etc...

Fine Grain

Most film developers can be classed as fine grain to varying degrees. Fine grain is used for all general film processing. It allows the best balance of fine grain, sharpness and tone allowing for large enlargement. 

Speed Increasing 

This developer literally does what it states. Useful in push-processing fast films. It gives around a 50% increase in film speed. 

High Acutance 

Designed to retain maximum image sharpness. This developer gives well defined grain with good edge. Not especially fine grain. Best used with slow to medium speed film. 

Low Contrast

Good developer for technical film materials. Produces low to normal contrast negatives that will print easily. Very fine grain, high edge sharpness and well separated tonal range. 

General Use Developer