Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” Premium Quality Baryta – 25 Sheets

Products Overview

The Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” is a premium-quality, double-weight baryta photographic paper crafted for black and white darkroom printing at a professional level. Designed and manufactured by Foma Bohemia in the Czech Republic, this paper combines traditional fibre-based craftsmanship with modern variable contrast technology, delivering unmatched tonal depth, detail, and rich gradation.

With its 16×20-inch (40.6×50.8 cm) large format, the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” is ideal for creating exhibition-quality prints, fine art projects, and professional portfolios that demand both aesthetic excellence and archival durability.

What Makes Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” Special

The Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” features a fibre-based (FB) baryta coating and variable contrast (multigrade) emulsion. This allows photographers to control contrast levels by using multigrade filters or variable contrast enlarger heads, eliminating the need for multiple paper grades.

Its double-weight baryta base gives each sheet substantial thickness and luxurious texture—perfect for presentation prints and museum displays. Compared to resin-coated papers, the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” offers deeper blacks, smoother tonal transitions, and a distinctive tactile feel that fine-art photographers value.

Key Features

• Size & Quantity: 16×20 inches (40.6×50.8 cm), 25 sheets per pack
• Base Type: Double-weight fibre-based baryta paper (FB)
• Contrast Type: Variable contrast (Multigrade)
• Surface: Glossy finish for maximum depth and detail
• Tone: Neutral image tone suitable for professional black and white printing
• Archival Quality: Long-lasting, museum-grade stability when processed correctly
• Toning Compatibility: Works beautifully with selenium, gold, or sepia toners

The Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” produces brilliant whites, rich mid-tones, and luxurious blacks, maintaining an exceptional balance between sharpness and smooth tonal transitions.

Performance and Image Quality

When developed in high-quality black and white chemistry, the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” delivers extraordinary image clarity and depth. The baryta layer enhances reflectivity and micro-contrast, giving prints a luminous appearance. Its fibre base ensures long drying times but contributes to a more refined finish and archival stability unmatched by resin-coated papers.

This paper is ideal for:

• Fine art photographers
• Exhibition and gallery prints
• Portfolio presentations
• Museum-quality archival prints

The Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” performs exceptionally well with developers like Foma Fomatol LQN, Ilford Multigrade, or ADOX Neutol WA, ensuring consistent tone and sharpness across various printing styles.

Darkroom Workflow Tips

To achieve the best results with the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20”, consider these workflow recommendations:

1. Handling: Always handle fibre-based sheets with care to avoid surface scratches.
2. Developing: Use a fibre-paper-compatible developer for rich contrast and deep tones.
3. Contrast Control: Utilize multigrade filters (00–5) to fine-tune contrast levels based on your negative.
4. Fixing & Washing: Fibre papers like Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” require longer washing times (30–40 minutes) for archival permanence.
5. Drying & Flattening: Use a fibre paper dryer or blotting method to keep the surface smooth and flat.

Why Choose Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20”?

Photographers choose the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” for its unparalleled tonal range, authentic baryta texture, and museum-grade permanence. Unlike modern inkjet or RC papers, this fibre-based material captures the essence of traditional darkroom photography. Whether you are producing fine art prints or high-contrast portraits, the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” ensures consistent results and timeless beauty. Its premium double-weight base also makes it highly resistant to curling, perfect for framing and mounting.

Furthermore, this paper’s flexibility across contrast grades (using filters or variable heads) means it suits nearly every black and white enlarger setup, giving photographers full control from soft tonal prints to high-contrast artwork.

Recommended Pairings

To maximize your results with the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20”, consider pairing it with these products:

• Developer: FOMA Fomatol LQN Developer – Liquid Concentrate
• Fixer: FOMA Fomafix P Universal Fixer 
• Toner: Kodak Selenium Toner 946ml 
• Processing Accessories: Paterson Multi Reel 3 Tank with MOD 54 Reel

These combinations ensure excellent consistency and bring out the maximum potential of the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” in your darkroom workflow.

Archival and Toning Performance

The Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” is renowned for its compatibility with toning processes, making it a favorite for professional printers and collectors. Toning not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves the print’s longevity and chemical stability.

Popular toners like selenium enhance D-max (deep black tones) and overall permanence, while gold toning gives images a subtle warmth and luxurious sheen. The baryta layer of the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” reacts beautifully with these toners, producing exhibition-grade output suitable for galleries and museums.

Environmental Responsibility

Manufactured by Foma Bohemia, a company with over 100 years of experience in photographic materials, the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” adheres to strict European environmental standards. The production process minimizes waste and uses non-toxic components to ensure both ecological safety and high-quality results. Learn more on Foma’s official website: Foma Bohemia – Official Fomabrom Series Page.

Technical Specifications

Internal Links (Onestopphoto.in)

• All Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer
• Paterson Film Clip Sets
• Darkroom Accessories

External Resources

• Foma Bohemia – Fomabrom VAR Series Overview
• Wikipedia – Photographic Paper Background
• Analog Photography Users Group

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” ideal for fine art printing?
Its fibre-based baryta coating and double-weight design deliver exceptional tonal range, making it perfect for gallery and museum-quality black and white prints.

2. Can I use the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” with any developer?
Yes. It performs best with high-quality fibre-paper-compatible developers like Fomatol LQN or Ilford Multigrade.

3. How should I store unused sheets?
Keep them sealed in their original packaging in a cool, dry, dark environment (temperature 5–25°C, humidity 40–60%).

4. Is the Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” good for toning?
Absolutely. The paper’s baryta base works beautifully with selenium, gold, or sepia toners for both aesthetic enhancement and archival permanence.

5. What is the difference between Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” and resin-coated papers?
Fibre-based baryta papers like this one provide deeper tonal richness and a more organic texture compared to the flatter look of RC papers.

6. Where is Fomabrom VAR 111 16×20” manufactured?
It is proudly made in the Czech Republic by Foma Bohemia, a trusted name in black & white photographic materials since 1921.