6 Best Developing Trays For Large Format Prints

Large format photography requires as much meticulous preparation as selecting the perfect wool blend for a complex cabled sweater. Just as the wrong needle material can cause lace stitches to snag or slip, the wrong developing tray can hinder the chemical consistency required for high-quality darkroom prints. Mastering the print process involves understanding how container dimensions and material durability impact the final image. These six tray options represent the standard for achieving professional, gallery-worthy results in a home or studio darkroom.

Paterson Print Trays: The Go-To for All Levels

Paterson trays are the industry standard for a reason, offering a balance of utility and accessibility similar to reliable, mid-range wooden knitting needles. They feature a unique molded base that allows for easy retrieval of prints, ensuring that papers don’t stick to the bottom during agitation.

These trays are constructed from durable, chemical-resistant plastic, making them ideal for long-term use. The pour spouts on the corners prevent messy spills when transitioning between chemicals, much like a well-designed yarn bowl keeps a ball of yarn from tangling while working.

For those just beginning to print—or those returning to the craft after years away—Paterson trays provide a foolproof foundation. They are easy to clean, lightweight to store, and forgiving of the occasional clumsiness that happens during late-night darkroom sessions.

CESCO-LITE Trays: The Professional’s Choice

If Paterson is the reliable workhorse, CESCO-LITE trays are the polished, professional needles of the darkroom world. These trays are crafted from thick, high-impact plastic that feels substantial and resists the warping that cheaper alternatives often suffer from over time.

Professional printers often favor these for their deep walls, which provide excellent containment for large volumes of chemistry. This is particularly beneficial when handling oversized prints, where deep chemical immersion is vital to avoid uneven development or streaks.

While they carry a higher price point, the longevity of the construction justifies the investment for serious enthusiasts. Think of these as the heirloom-quality tools that won’t need replacing, much like a set of high-end interchangeable needle tips that handle every yarn weight with grace.

Arista EDU Ultra Trays: Best on a Tight Budget

Budget constraints shouldn’t prevent anyone from pursuing a creative passion, whether it is sourcing affordable wool or setting up a home darkroom. Arista EDU Ultra trays offer a stripped-back, functional approach that gets the job done without unnecessary frills.

These trays are lightweight and stackable, making them an excellent choice for those working in cramped spaces or smaller makeshift darkrooms. They lack the elaborate ridges found on more expensive models, which keeps the price low while still providing a perfectly adequate environment for standard print processing.

While they may lack the heavy-duty reinforced structure of premium trays, they are perfectly suitable for hobbyists or students on a budget. They are the equivalent of a reliable set of basic bamboo needles: they get the project completed efficiently without breaking the bank.

Kaiser Print Trays: Quality German Engineering

Kaiser trays embody the precision and structural integrity one expects from high-quality German manufacturing. The material used in their production is highly resistant to chemical staining, maintaining its pristine condition even after extended contact with acidic or alkaline solutions.

The design includes a slight slope that makes it remarkably easy to slide a print out of the chemical bath. This prevents the frustration of fumbling with delicate, wet paper, much like using a smooth-finish metal needle prevents yarn from catching during rapid knitting.

Because of their superior rigidity, Kaiser trays are an excellent choice for large-format printing where flexing could cause chemical turbulence. If the goal is consistent, repeatable results, these trays provide the structural stability required for the most demanding printing workflows.

Delta 1 Master Tray: Designed for Perfect Prints

The Delta 1 Master tray is specifically engineered with the user experience in mind, focusing on features that make the printing process smoother and more fluid. The base is designed with an effective agitation pattern, ensuring that chemicals move across the paper surface evenly.

This is a significant advantage for those who struggle with uneven development, similar to how proper tension technique ensures a consistent fabric gauge. The trays are deep, well-balanced, and feature convenient handles that make lifting and pouring safer and more controlled.

These trays cater to the printer who appreciates thoughtful design details that solve common mechanical problems. Choosing this tray is akin to selecting a premium ergonomic needle designed to reduce hand strain during long, intricate knitting projects.

Doran Pro-Grade Trays: Built for Heavy-Duty Use

Doran Pro-Grade trays are designed for those who view darkroom work as a full-time pursuit rather than a casual weekend hobby. These are heavy-duty pieces of equipment, featuring extra-thick side walls that eliminate the risk of accidental tipping or bending.

They are particularly suited for high-volume environments where trays are moved, cleaned, and refilled constantly throughout the day. The industrial-strength plastic is designed to withstand the harshest chemical environments without degradation or brittleness.

When a project demands endurance and durability, the Doran trays offer a peace of mind that lighter-weight models simply cannot match. They are the robust, indestructible tools of the trade, ensuring the equipment remains secondary to the creative process.

Choosing the Right Tray Size for Your Prints

The golden rule for darkroom trays is to always size up, just as a project should always be blocked to its intended size to allow for proper drape. A tray that is too small for a print makes agitation nearly impossible and increases the risk of damaging paper corners.

• Small Prints (up to 8×10): Standard 11×14 trays are sufficient for easy handling.
• Medium Prints (up to 11×14): 16×20 trays provide the extra room needed for proper chemical flow.
• Large Prints (16×20 and larger): Always select a tray at least 2 to 4 inches larger in each dimension than the paper.

Having extra space allows the user to easily maneuver tongs beneath the paper without scratching the emulsion. Remember that the chemistry must be able to circulate freely to ensure even development across the entire surface.

Plastic vs. Stainless Steel: Which is Better?

Most modern darkrooms rely on high-grade plastic trays because they are lightweight, affordable, and chemically inert. Unlike some metals, quality plastics do not react with the photographic chemistry, ensuring a clean and consistent workflow over time.

Stainless steel trays, while durable and classic in appearance, are expensive and prone to denting or scratching. Any scratches in a metal tray can harbor chemicals or cause cross-contamination, which is disastrous for high-contrast or high-quality photographic work.

For most printers, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) trays are the superior choice for their balance of cost, longevity, and ease of maintenance. Plastic is the reliable, modern solution that rarely introduces unwanted variables into the chemistry equation.

How to Clean and Store Your Developing Trays

Proper maintenance is as crucial for darkroom gear as it is for keeping knitting needles smooth and free of debris. Always rinse trays thoroughly with warm water after every session to prevent chemical residue from drying and crusting onto the surface.

Avoid using harsh abrasive sponges or steel wool to scrub trays, as these create microscopic grooves where contaminants can hide. A gentle, dedicated sponge or soft cloth used with a mild, non-abrasive detergent is sufficient to keep trays in top shape.

Store trays vertically or stacked to save space, but ensure they are completely dry before putting them away to prevent mold or bacterial growth. Protecting the surfaces from dust while not in use will keep the darkroom environment clean and professional.

Darkroom Safety: Handling Chemicals with Care

Safety is the absolute priority in the darkroom, regardless of the quality of the tools being used. Always work in a well-ventilated area, as photographic chemistry can emit fumes that are irritating to the lungs and eyes.

Wear nitrile gloves to prevent the chemicals from absorbing through the skin, as prolonged exposure can lead to contact dermatitis. Keep the workspace organized, and always treat the trays as dedicated vessels—never swap a tray used for fixer into the developer stage, as this will ruin the chemical process.

Finally, keep a clean towel dedicated solely to drying hands, away from the chemicals themselves. By maintaining a disciplined workflow, the process becomes safer, cleaner, and ultimately more rewarding for the printer.

Selecting the right developing tray is a fundamental step in ensuring the technical success of large-format prints. By prioritizing material durability, size appropriateness, and chemical compatibility, you set yourself up for consistent, high-quality results. Whether you choose the reliability of Paterson or the professional weight of Doran, investing in proper equipment is the hallmark of a serious artist committed to the craft.