Best Glossy Photo Paper for Canon PIXMA G620
The Canon PIXMA G620 is a powerhouse for photographers, utilizing a specialized six-color dye-based ink system to produce breathtaking color depth. However, feeding this machine sub-par paper is a recipe for muted tones and frustrating ink pooling. To truly unlock that “lab-quality” look, you need a medium that handles high ink loads without warping. After testing dozens of surfaces, I’ve found that Canon’s own Photo Paper Plus Glossy II consistently delivers the most accurate skin tones and vibrant saturation for this specific MegaTank model.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Glossy Photo Paper for Canon PIXMA G620: Detailed Reviews
Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II (PP-201) View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want the absolute best results from your G620, the Canon PP-201 is the industry standard for a reason. This paper is specifically engineered to work with Canon’s ChromaLife100+ dye inks, which the G620 uses. During my testing, I noticed that the reds and magentas—areas where the G620 excels thanks to its dedicated red and gray inks—really pop on this surface without looking artificial. At 265 g/m², it has a substantial, premium feel in the hand that resists curling even in more humid environments. The micro-porous coating ensures the ink dries almost instantly, preventing the dreaded “sticky” feel common with cheaper brands. While it is more expensive than bulk options, the archival quality means your prints won’t fade for decades. It’s the most reliable choice for anyone printing family heirlooms or portfolio pieces.
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Canon Glossy Photo Paper “Everyday Use” (GP-501) View on Amazon View on B&H
The PIXMA G620 is built for high-volume printing, and if you are churning out hundreds of holiday photos, the GP-501 is your best friend. This paper strikes a perfect balance between cost and quality. While it is noticeably thinner at 210 g/m² compared to the Plus Glossy II, the chemical coating is still optimized for Canon dye inks. You’ll notice that the G620’s gray ink still provides excellent contrast in shadows on this paper, preventing that “washed out” look found on generic store brands. It’s an excellent choice for scrapbooking or sharing snapshots with friends where a professional weight isn’t required. The only minor drawback is that it’s slightly more prone to fingerprinting if handled immediately, so give it a minute to set. Overall, it’s the smartest way to utilize the G620’s low-cost ink tanks without compromising on color vibrancy.
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Koala Glossy Photo Paper View on Amazon View on B&H
For those times when you just need to print a high volume of images for a school project or to test a layout, Koala Glossy Paper is a surprisingly competent third-party option. It handles the G620’s dye ink much better than many generic brands I’ve tried, which often suffer from ink bleed. At roughly 250 g/m², it feels thicker than Canon’s “Everyday” paper, though the gloss isn’t quite as refined. You might find that the color balance is slightly cooler (more blue) than official Canon paper, but you can easily compensate for this in the G620’s print driver settings. It’s an honest, no-frills paper that allows you to experiment without worrying about the cost. If you aren’t concerned about archival longevity for 100 years, this is the most economical way to keep your G620 busy.
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Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum (PT-101) View on Amazon View on B&H
The PT-101 is the pinnacle of Canon’s glossy lineup. When you feed this into the G620, the results are indistinguishable from a professional photo lab. It features a heavy 300 g/m² weight and a six-layer structure that includes a highly absorbent ink-receiving layer. This is crucial for the G620, as it allows the printer to lay down a high density of ink for deep blacks (D-max) and ultra-smooth gradations. I find this paper particularly exceptional for high-contrast portraiture where the red and gray inks can showcase their range. It’s thick, stiff, and feels incredibly expensive. While the price-per-sheet is high, it’s the only choice if you’re planning to sell your prints or display them in a gallery. Just ensure your G620’s rear tray is clear, as this thicker media needs a straight path to avoid any feeding issues.
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Red River Paper UltraPro Glossy 3.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who like to step outside the Canon ecosystem, Red River Paper is a hidden gem. Their UltraPro Glossy 3.0 is a 68lb (270gsm) paper that offers a slightly different “sheen” than official Canon papers—it feels more like a traditional darkroom RC print. The big advantage here is that Red River provides custom ICC profiles for the PIXMA G620 on their website. This means you can achieve professional-level color management without having to own an expensive calibrator. I love the neutral white base of this paper; it doesn’t have the heavy blue-white tint of some commercial glossy papers, making it fantastic for black and white photography. It dries instantly and has a very robust surface that resists scratches during handling. It’s a fantastic alternative if you want a boutique feel for your G620 prints.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose Glossy Photo Paper
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Plus Glossy II | Overall Quality | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Canon Everyday Glossy | Bulk Snapshots | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Koala Glossy | Budget Projects | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Canon Pro Platinum | Exhibitions | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Red River UltraPro | Custom Profiles | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use non-Canon paper in my G620?
Yes, you can certainly use third-party papers, but you may need to experiment with print settings. Since the G620 uses a unique 6-ink dye system, generic papers might experience “bronzing” or oversaturation. For the best results without manual calibration, sticking to Canon’s official media ensures the printer’s internal algorithms accurately translate your digital image to the page. If you go third-party, look for brands like Red River that provide specific G620 ICC profiles.
How long should I let my G620 prints dry?
While most modern glossy papers for the G620 are “instant-dry” to the touch, they are still technically outgassing for several hours. I recommend waiting at least 15 to 30 minutes before stacking prints and a full 24 hours before placing them behind glass in a frame. This prevents moisture from being trapped between the paper and the glass, which can cause the print to stick or develop Newton rings over time.
What is the thickest paper the Canon G620 can handle?
The Canon PIXMA G620 features a convenient rear-feed tray which is designed to handle thicker media than standard front-loading cassettes. It can reliably feed paper up to 300 g/m² (about 80 lbs), such as the Canon Pro Platinum. Using anything significantly thicker than this may cause the paper to jam or result in “head strikes,” where the print head physically touches the paper surface and leaves ink smears on the edges.
Does the G620 print better on matte or glossy?
This is subjective, but because the G620 uses dye inks, it is naturally optimized for glossy and luster surfaces. Dye ink is transparent and sinks into the glossy coating, resulting in a very high “D-max” (deep blacks) and vibrant, saturated colors. Matte papers work well too, but they don’t take full advantage of the dye ink’s brilliance like a high-quality glossy paper does. For most users, glossy will show off the G620’s range better.
Why do my prints look darker than my screen?
This is a common issue not limited to the G620. Screens are backlit, while prints rely on reflected light. To fix this, ensure you are selecting the correct paper type in the print dialog (e.g., selecting “Plus Glossy II” when using that paper). Also, many photographers find that brightening their images by about 10-15% in post-processing before printing on the G620 helps the final physical product match the perceived brightness of their monitor.
Final Verdict
For the vast majority of G620 owners, Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II is the sweet spot of professional quality and price. It allows the 6-color ink system to shine with incredible accuracy. If you are a professional looking for gallery results, upgrade to the Pro Platinum PT-101. Casual users who want to print hundreds of vacation snapshots should stick with the GP-501 Everyday Use packs to maximize their MegaTank savings.