Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L – Powerful & Trusted

Introduction

When it comes to darkroom printing, consistency, quality, and control are essential. The Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L is a high-performance liquid concentrate formulated specifically for developing black and white photographic papers. Trusted by professional darkroom printers and analog enthusiasts alike, this developer ensures rich, deep blacks and clean whites, bringing out the full tonal range of your prints.

What Is Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L?

The Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L is a liquid developer designed for use with all Ilford Multigrade and other resin-coated (RC) and fiber-based (FB) black and white photographic papers. It offers rapid, consistent development and is suitable for dish/tray processing. The 1-liter concentrate can be diluted to produce larger working solutions, making it an economical choice for home and professional darkrooms.

Key Features of Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer

• High-quality black and white paper developer
•  Excellent tonal control with clean highlights and deep blacks
•  Reliable performance for RC and fiber-based papers
•  Liquid concentrate (1L) – easy to mix and store
•  Fast-acting and consistent development results
•  Made by Ilford, a global leader in analog photography products

Whether you’re printing contact sheets, test strips, or final exhibition-quality prints, Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L delivers the dependable results you need.

Why Choose Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer?

One of the standout benefits of Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L is its compatibility. It’s not only perfect for Ilford’s own Multigrade IV RC Deluxe and Multigrade FB Classic papers, but also works well with other brands like Foma, Kentmere, and ADOX black and white photographic papers. For artists and photographers seeking a proven solution, Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L provides image consistency, exceptional contrast control, and ease of use in every tray.

How to Use Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer

The developer is supplied as a liquid concentrate and typically diluted at a ratio of 1+9 (1 part developer to 9 parts water) for normal use. In a standard darkroom tray:

• Dilution: 1+9 (e.g., 100ml developer + 900ml water)
• Development Time: 1–2 minutes at 20°C (68°F)
• Compatible Papers: All RC and FB black and white papers

💡 Tip: Always use a stop bath and fixer after development to ensure archival quality prints.

Internal Product Pairings

To complete your B&W darkroom setup, pair this developer with:

• Ilford Ilfospeed RC Deluxe Glossy Grade 3 – 8×10″, 25 Sheets
• Ilford Rapid Fixer 1 Liter
• Paterson Developer Tray Set – 8×10” (Pack of 3)

These combinations will help you achieve consistent, high-quality results with your Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L.

Trusted by Professionals Worldwide

Ilford has over a century of expertise in film and paper chemistry. Professional labs and darkroom artists across the globe rely on Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L for gallery-ready prints. The developer’s fast action and tonal fidelity are praised in darkroom communities, publications, and photography forums. For more technical details, refer to Ilford’s official Product Datasheet.

Comparison with Other Paper Developers

Unlike powder-based developers like Fomadon P or Kodak Dektol, the Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L offers a liquid concentrate formula, saving time on mixing and reducing inconsistency in development. It’s cleaner, easier to store, and more convenient for darkroom workflows — especially in shared or educational spaces.

Clean Development Without Staining

The developer is low-fogging and known for producing minimal staining or unevenness, especially on fiber-based paper. This helps artists achieve archival-quality results without post-processing cleanup issues or toning complications.

Best Practices for Longevity and Consistency

• Always stir gently when preparing the working solution.
• Avoid cross-contamination with fixer or stop bath.
• Store in amber or opaque containers to prevent oxidation.
• Label each mixed batch with date and dilution strength.

External Learning Resources

If you’re looking to deepen your darkroom skills, these authoritative resources can help:

• Ilford Darkroom Printing Guide (PDF)
• YouTube: Ilford Multigrade Paper Developing Tutorial

Storage & Shelf Life

To maintain product quality:

• Store in a cool, dry, dark place
• Use working solutions within 24 hours
• Shelf life (unopened): 12–24 months
• Once opened: tightly reseal and use within a few months

Always label your diluted working solutions and avoid contamination with other chemicals.

Ideal For:

• Darkroom beginners learning paper printing
• Advanced printers demanding tonal precision
• Artists using contact printing or enlarger-based techniques
• Schools, labs, and workshops teaching analog photography

Conclusion

The Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L is a must-have for anyone serious about black and white printing. Its consistent performance, rich tonal output, and compatibility with various papers make it a reliable choice for professionals and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re making test prints or archival masterpieces, trust Ilford to deliver. Buy now and experience the classic quality of fiber or RC prints developed to perfection!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer 1L

1. What types of photographic papers are compatible with Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer?

This developer works with all RC (resin-coated) and FB (fiber-based) black & white papers. It is ideal for Ilford Multigrade papers but also performs well with Foma, Kentmere, and ADOX papers.

2. What is the recommended dilution for Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer?

The standard dilution is 1+9 (1 part developer + 9 parts water). This ratio provides consistent tonal results and balanced contrast for most printing conditions.

3. How long does it take to develop prints using this developer?

Typical development time is 1–2 minutes at 20°C (68°F). Fiber-based papers may require slightly longer development for optimal density and contrast.

4. Can Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer be reused?

Yes, it can be reused during a single darkroom session, but performance will gradually decline as the solution becomes exhausted. For the most consistent results, many professionals prefer to mix fresh working solution for critical prints.

5. Does this developer affect contrast or tonal quality?

Yes. Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer is known for producing deep blacks, clean highlights, and excellent midtone separation, enhancing the overall tonal range of your prints. It works reliably with multigrade filters as well.

6. How long does the working solution last once mixed?

A mixed working solution is best used within 24 hours. Oxidation and contamination reduce developer strength, so fresh batches produce the most consistent results.

7. Is this developer suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Its liquid concentrate, ease of mixing, and predictable results make it ideal for beginners. At the same time, professionals trust it for exhibition-quality prints.

8. How should Ilford Multigrade Paper Developer be stored?

Store the unopened bottle in a cool, dry, dark place. Once opened, keep it tightly sealed. Diluted solutions should be stored in amber/opaque bottles and labeled with dilution and date to avoid oxidation.