Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” High-Quality Double Weight Baryta 25 Sheets

Introduction:

If you are a serious darkroom enthusiast or fine art printer, the Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” is a paper that delivers museum-quality black-and-white prints with unmatched tonal richness. Manufactured by FOMA Bohemia, a trusted Czech brand with over 100 years of photographic experience, this double-weight baryta paper combines traditional craftsmanship with modern variable contrast technology, making it a favorite among photographers and darkroom professionals worldwide.

What is Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20”?

The Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” is a fiber-based (FB) variable contrast black-and-white enlarging paper with a glossy surface and neutral-to-warm tone image color. It features a baryta coating, offering deep blacks, brilliant whites, and a superior tonal range that digital prints cannot replicate.
This paper is available in a large 16×20-inch sheet size and comes in packs of 25 sheets, perfect for large-format printing and fine art exhibitions.

Key Features of Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20”

✅ Double Weight Fiber Base – Provides durability and a luxurious feel, ideal for long-term archival storage.
✅ Variable Contrast (Multigrade) – Compatible with multigrade filters, allowing control from soft (Grade 0) to hard (Grade 5) contrast.
✅ Glossy Surface Finish – Produces high-contrast, deep tonal prints with outstanding detail.
✅ Baryta Coating – Enhances image sharpness and tonal depth while ensuring archival permanence.
✅ Neutral to Warm Image Tone – Gives prints a classic look suitable for portraits, landscapes, and fine art projects.
✅ Excellent Processing Latitude – Performs reliably in standard B&W darkroom chemicals such as FOMA Universal Developer or Ilford Multigrade Developer.
✅ Made by FOMA Bohemia – A globally recognized manufacturer of premium analog photo materials since 1921.

Why Choose Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20”?

The Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” is designed for photographers who value traditional printing methods and the tactile experience of darkroom work. Unlike resin-coated (RC) papers, baryta fiber-based paper produces deeper blacks and smoother tonal transitions. It is perfect for archival-quality prints, gallery displays, and fine art sales.

Its variable contrast capability allows photographers to adjust the image contrast using standard multigrade filters or color enlarger heads—saving the need for multiple paper grades. Whether you are printing high-contrast street photography or delicate portrait work, the Fomabrom VAR 112 adapts perfectly to your creative needs.

Tonal Performance and Print Quality

The Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” delivers remarkable tonal separation and shadow detail. Its baryta-coated surface ensures a rich depth that enhances grayscale accuracy, from deep blacks to clean highlights. This paper is particularly admired for its neutral base white, which gives images a natural depth and clarity.

When processed correctly, prints on Fomabrom VAR 112 exhibit excellent dry-down characteristics, meaning minimal shift in tone between wet and dry stages—an essential factor for professional darkroom printers.

Darkroom Compatibility

The Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” works seamlessly with most enlargers and darkroom setups. For best results, it is recommended to use:

• Developer: Foma Universal Developer or Adox Neutol NE
• Stop Bath: Adostop ECO
• Fixer: Fomafix P or Ilford Rapid Fixer
• Toner Compatibility: Works beautifully with selenium or sepia toners to adjust tone warmth or enhance print longevity.

The paper’s emulsion is highly responsive to toning and bleaching, allowing artistic effects like split-toning for unique creative prints.

Archival Permanence

One of the greatest strengths of the Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” is its archival stability. Baryta-coated fiber base papers have been the gold standard in museums and galleries for decades. Properly washed and stored, prints made on this paper can last well over 100 years without noticeable degradation—making it an ideal choice for fine art collections and exhibitions.

Applications of Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20”

• Fine Art Photography Printing
• Exhibition and Gallery Displays
• Portfolio and Limited Edition Prints
• Museum-Quality Archival Work
• Educational and Darkroom Training

Whether you’re printing a personal project or a gallery collection, Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” ensures each print exudes depth, brilliance, and texture.

Technical Specifications

How to Handle and Store

Store the Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct light. Always handle paper with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves to prevent oil marks. After exposure and development, ensure proper washing for 30–45 minutes to remove residual fixer—essential for longevity.

Recommended Accessories

For optimal results, pair the Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” with the following darkroom essentials:

• Paterson PTP 115 Universal Developing Tank
• ADOX Neutol NE Liquid Paper Developer
• FOMA Fomafix P Fixer

External Links (Resources)

• FOMA Bohemia Official Website
• Ilford Photo – Multigrade Paper Information
  
• Photrio Forum for Darkroom Techniques

Why Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” Stands Out

With its classic baryta look and versatile contrast range, Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” has become a favorite among professionals seeking quality and longevity. The tactile richness of its fiber base offers a tangible sense of craftsmanship—something modern digital prints can’t match.

Each print developed on Fomabrom VAR 112 tells a story not only through the image but also through the depth of the medium itself.

FAQs About Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20”

1. What makes Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” different from RC papers?
Unlike RC papers, Fomabrom VAR 112 uses a fiber-based baryta coating that gives prints a deeper tonal range and archival stability.

2. Can I tone Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20”?
Yes. It responds beautifully to selenium, sepia, or gold toners, offering flexible image tone control.

3. Is Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. While it’s a professional-grade paper, beginners can achieve stunning results with proper handling and exposure.

4. Which developers work best with this paper?
FOMA Universal, Adox Neutol NE, or Ilford Multigrade developers work exceptionally well with Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20”.

5. How long should I wash the prints for archival quality?
A wash time of 30–45 minutes in clean, running water is ideal for ensuring maximum print permanence.

6. Can this paper be used for contact printing?
Yes, Fomabrom VAR 112 16×20” works excellently for both enlargements and contact prints.