Film & darkroom
Resin-coated photographic paper: processing and drying
Use the paper’s own wash and drying instructions, rather than a fibre-paper routine.
RC names resin-coated photographic paper. Its handling is not the same as every other paper in the darkroom. Choose the exact product and read the current technical sheet before setting developer, fixer, washing and drying conditions.
A paper-specific sequence
ILFORD’s MULTIGRADE RC documentation gives processing, washing and drying guidance for its resin-coated papers. It warns against prolonged wet times and against using glazing equipment intended for other materials. These instructions apply to the specified paper; they should not be promoted into a universal darkroom rule.
Evidence: Technical data sheet
Our print worksheet
Record paper name, surface, size and batch beside the negative identifier. Add each chemical, dilution and time, then the washing method and drying arrangement. Keep that row attached to the exposure recipe. If a print curls or develops a mark, you can compare the actual handling rather than relying on a remembered label.
Make a small handling trial
Before committing an important print, process a replaceable small sample through the full sequence. Confirm that it can be handled, washed and dried in the space available. Judge the dry surface and edges as well as the image. A paper choice includes the object you will keep, not merely the moment a picture appears in developer.
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- ILFORD PHOTO — MULTIGRADE RC paper technical dataTechnical data sheet