Photographic paper is a type of heavy paper coated with light-sensitive chemicals. The paper may be exposed to light, in a controlled manner either by placing a photographic negative in contact with it or using a photographic enlarger, to create a latent image, and developed to create a visible image.
There are two types of photographic paper. The first type and most commonly used among beginners is Resin Coated paper. Resin Coated paper has a thin sheet of plastic over it that reduces washing, fixing, and mostly drying time. Resin coated paper can be processed by machine and can have a glossy shine to it or be semi-matt. The other type of paper is uncoated and known as fibre-based paper. This paper takes longer to wash and dry because the paper soaks up the chemicals used to process it. It is only available for monochrome (black and white) photography and is used by more experienced photographers because it has a greater tonal depth. This paper has a has less shine to it but can be glazed to give a full gloss to the surface.
Monochrome photographic paper is usually sensitive only to blue light. It can thus be safely handled under a red or yellow safelight without fogging. Colour paper is sensitive to all wavelengths of light and so must be handled in complete darkness.