Ilford Multigrade FB Classic Glossy 8x10: Printing Workflow Guide

By Austin Camera | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

A step-by-step darkroom workflow for Ilford Multigrade FB Classic Glossy 8x10, from test strips and filter grades to washing and drying fiber prints.

Quick answer

Use Ilford Multigrade FB Classic Glossy 8x10 with a standard multigrade filter set, start with a test strip at grade 2, then adjust contrast and exposure before committing to a full sheet. Finish with a proper fiber-paper wash and air-dry to protect the double-weight base.

Why fiber paper changes your workflow

FB Classic is a fiber-based paper, not resin-coated. That means it absorbs chemistry and water into the paper base, so washing and drying take longer than with RC papers. The double-weight 255g/m2 base also feels stiffer and holds more moisture, so plan for a wash cycle that matches fiber paper rather than a quick RC rinse.

The payoff is the look and feel many darkroom printers prefer, but the tradeoff is time. If you are used to RC paper, add extra minutes to fixing and washing, and avoid shortcuts that leave residual chemistry in the paper.

Choosing filter grades on variable-contrast paper

Multigrade FB Classic is variable contrast, so the filter grade you choose controls contrast without changing paper. A grade 2 filter is a sensible starting point for negatives with normal contrast. If your shadows block up and highlights wash out, move to a lower grade; if the print looks flat, move to a higher grade.

The paper's uniform grade separation helps you make predictable jumps between grades, but you still need to re-test exposure after a filter change. Do not assume the same exposure time carries over from grade 2 to grade 4.

Glossy surface handling and drying

Glossy fiber paper shows surface marks and water spots more readily than matt. Handle sheets by the edges, and use a squeegee or blotting method that does not scratch the emulsion. Drying face-up on a clean screen is usually safer than stacking wet prints.

If you want a higher sheen, some printers use a ferrotype plate or glossy drying surface, but that adds variables. For a first workflow, air-dry face-up and accept a slightly softer gloss rather than risk sticking or surface damage.

Step-by-step FB Classic 8x10 printing workflow

Set up chemistry and safelight: Prepare developer, stop bath, fixer, and wash water at the temperatures recommended on your chemistry labels. Check that your safelight is appropriate for black-and-white paper and that the room is light-tight. Common mistake: using a safelight too close to the paper or one not rated for paper, which fogs the print before development.
Make a test strip at grade 2: Place a strip of FB Classic 8x10 under the enlarger with a grade 2 multigrade filter. Expose in increments across the strip, develop fully, stop, fix, and inspect under white light after fixing. Checkpoint: choose the exposure that gives detail in both shadows and highlights, not just a mid-tone that looks pleasant.
Adjust contrast with filter grades: If the test strip is too contrasty, switch to a lower grade; if flat, switch to a higher grade. Re-run a small test strip at the new grade before exposing a full sheet. Common mistake: changing grade without re-testing exposure, since filter changes can shift the required time.
Expose and develop the full 8x10 sheet: Use the chosen grade and exposure time on a full sheet. Develop for the full recommended time with consistent agitation, then stop and fix according to your chemistry instructions. Checkpoint: keep development time constant between test strips and final prints so contrast changes come from filtration, not development.
Wash for fiber paper, not RC timing: Wash the print in running water using a wash time appropriate for fiber-based paper and your fixer type. Do not rely on a short RC-style rinse. Common mistake: under-washing fiber paper, which can leave fixer residue that yellows the print over time.
Dry glossy surface without marks: Remove excess water gently, then air-dry face-up on a clean screen or rack. Avoid touching the glossy emulsion while wet and do not stack prints. Checkpoint: inspect the dried print under good light for water spots or surface scratches before storing.

Product facts

Ilford Multigrade FB Classic Paper - Glossy - 8x10: Double-weight 255g/m2 fiber base with improved maximum density (Dmax). The heavier fiber base holds up to repeated washing and handling, while higher Dmax helps deep blacks in the final print.
Ilford Multigrade FB Classic Paper - Glossy - 8x10