Washi "B" Black and White Printing Paper on Bamboo Base 3.5 x 5in Pack of 12

Washi "B" Black and White Printing Paper on Bamboo Base

Washi "B" is a unique black and white darkroom printing paper made using handmade bamboo paper from Japan, which is then hand-coated in France by Film Washi. Unlike traditional fibre-based papers, there is no white baryta layer between the emulsion and the paper base, allowing the natural character, texture, and fibres of the bamboo paper to remain visible in the finished print.

With a weight of 110gsm and a fixed Grade 3 contrast, Washi "B" produces warm image tones, beautiful contrast, and a distinctive handcrafted appearance that is ideal for fine art and alternative photographic printing.

Why We Like It

This is not a conventional darkroom paper. The visible bamboo fibres and natural paper texture become part of the final image, creating prints with a unique handcrafted look that simply cannot be replicated with standard fibre-based papers. It is an excellent choice for photographers looking to create exhibition prints, alternative process work, or highly expressive darkroom projects.

Key Features

• Handmade bamboo paper produced by Awagami Factory in Japan
• Hand-coated by Film Washi in France
• Fixed Grade 3 contrast
• Warm image tones with rich contrast
• 110gsm bamboo paper base
• No white baryta layer, allowing the paper character to remain visible
• Suitable for enlarger printing and contact printing
• Compatible with traditional darkroom processing methods
• Pack includes 12 sheets plus 12 test strips for exposure testing
• Ideal for fine art, alternative process, and creative darkroom printing

Processing Notes

• Can be exposed and processed like traditional fibre-based photographic paper
• Film Washi recommends using water instead of an acidic stop bath
• The smoothest side is the emulsion side, with a rougher texture on the reverse
• Temporary darker spots may appear during processing due to natural variations in the bamboo fibres and the absence of a baryta layer. These disappear once the print is fully dry
• For drying, place prints on a flat glass surface or board and secure with kraft paper tape. Avoid using a squeegee directly on the emulsion

What's in the Box

• 12 x Sheets of Washi "B" Black and White Printing Paper

Ideal For

• Fine art darkroom printing
• Alternative photographic processes
• Exhibition and portfolio prints
• Creative black and white printing projects
• Photographers seeking a distinctive handmade paper finish