Best Photo Paper for Canon PIXMA TR8620
Finding the perfect paper for your Canon PIXMA TR8620 can be frustrating when colors look muddy or ink refuses to dry. While this 5-ink versatile printer is a workhorse, its output quality heavily depends on the media you feed it. After testing dozens of finishes, I’ve found that Canon’s own Photo Paper Plus Glossy II delivers the most consistent, lab-quality results. In this guide, I’ll help you navigate weights, finishes, and brands to ensure your home prints finally do your photography justice.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Photo Paper for Canon PIXMA TR8620: Detailed Reviews
Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II (PP-201) View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want your TR8620 to punch above its weight class, the Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II is the gold standard. I’ve used this paper for years, and it consistently produces deep blacks and vibrant saturation that cheaper papers simply can’t match. With a weight of 265 g/m², it feels substantial in the hand—exactly like a traditional lab print. Because it’s a genuine Canon product, the TR8620 has a built-in ICC profile specifically for this media, meaning the colors you see on your screen are remarkably close to what comes out of the tray. The “Level 2” glossy finish is shiny without being overly reflective, though I’ve noticed it can pick up fingerprints if handled too quickly. For the best results, use the rear tray to avoid any potential roller marks on the high-gloss surface.
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Canon Glossy Photo Paper “Everyday Use” (GP-501) View on Amazon View on B&H
The Canon GP-501 is the perfect middle ground for users who print frequently but don’t need archival-grade thickness every time. It’s slightly thinner at 210 g/m², making it much easier for the TR8620’s internal rollers to grab from the paper cassette. I often recommend this for fridge photos or kids’ school projects where you want the “pop” of glossy paper without the high cost of the Plus Glossy II. While the color gamut is slightly narrower than the premium options, the TR8620’s ChromaLife100 ink system still adheres beautifully to this surface. You won’t get the same deep D-max (black density) as more expensive papers, but for 90% of casual home use, the difference is negligible. It’s an honest, reliable paper that doesn’t pretend to be professional gallery stock but delivers a clean, bright finish every time.
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Amazon Basics Glossy Photo Paper View on Amazon View on B&H
When you need to print a massive volume of photos—perhaps for a party or a mood board—Amazon Basics Glossy Photo Paper is surprisingly competent. At roughly 200 g/m², it’s the lightest on our list, which means it feels more like a flyer than a photograph. However, the TR8620 handles it without a hitch. The main trade-off here is the white point; it’s slightly cooler (more blue) than Canon’s papers, which can make skin tones look a bit sterile if you don’t adjust your printer settings. I’ve found that selecting “Other Glossy Paper” in the print dialog yields the best color accuracy. It’s not archival, so don’t expect these to last 50 years in an album without fading, but for the price of a latte, you can print dozens of 4×6 snapshots. It’s the ultimate “no-guilt” printing option.
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Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum (PT-101) View on Amazon View on B&H
The Pro Platinum PT-101 is the heaviest, glossiest, and most impressive paper Canon makes for the PIXMA line. At a whopping 300 g/m², it’s thick enough to stand on its own without curling. When I want to give a framed photo as a gift, this is my go-to choice. It features a six-layer structure that maximizes ink absorption, resulting in a dynamic range that makes the TR8620 feel like a much more expensive professional printer. The blacks are incredibly deep, providing a 3D-like quality to high-contrast images. However, a word of caution: this paper is thick. You must use the rear paper tray to prevent jams, and I recommend letting the prints “gas out” for at least 24 hours before putting them behind glass. It’s expensive, but the sheer impact of the finished print is worth every penny for special occasions.
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Red River Paper 68lb. UltraPro Gloss 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who want to venture outside the Canon ecosystem, Red River Paper is a darling of the photography community. Their UltraPro Gloss 2.0 is a 68lb (approx 270gsm) paper that offers a slightly different aesthetic—a brighter, cleaner white that really makes blues and greens pop. What I love about Red River is that they provide custom ICC profiles for the TR8620 on their website, ensuring professional color management. This paper has a very smooth surface that minimizes “bronzing” (where ink looks like it’s sitting on top of the paper). It’s a fantastic choice if you find Canon’s papers a bit too warm for your taste. It feels very high-end and is acid-free, making it suitable for long-term storage in albums or portfolios. It’s the “insider’s” choice for quality.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose Photo Paper for your PIXMA TR8620
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Glossy II | Overall Quality | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Canon GP-501 | Value Snapshots | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Amazon Basics | Bulk Printing | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Pro Platinum | Professional Look | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Red River Gloss | Archival Needs | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use matte paper in my TR8620?
Yes, you can! The TR8620 handles matte photo paper quite well, particularly for art prints or scrapbooking. However, keep in mind that since it uses dye inks for colors, matte prints might not look as “punchy” as glossy ones. Always ensure you change the media type in your print settings to “Matte Photo Paper” so the printer adjusts the ink volume accordingly to prevent saturation issues.
Why do my prints have small lines on them?
These are often called “pizza wheel” marks, caused by the rollers that move the paper through the printer. To avoid this on the TR8620, always load your photo paper into the rear tray rather than the bottom cassette. The rear tray provides a straighter paper path, which is much gentler on the delicate, wet ink surface of a freshly printed high-gloss photograph.
Is third-party paper safe to use?
Absolutely, but with a caveat. While third-party papers like Amazon Basics or HP won’t damage your printer, the color accuracy might be off because the TR8620 doesn’t have built-in profiles for them. You may need to manually adjust the color balance in your printer driver. High-end third-party brands like Red River are safer because they provide downloadable profiles to ensure your colors stay true.
What is the difference between Glossy and Lustre?
Glossy paper has a high-shine, reflective finish that makes colors look very saturated. Lustre (or Semi-Gloss) has a pebbled texture that breaks up reflections. I personally prefer Lustre for photos that will be handled often or displayed in bright rooms, as it hides fingerprints and reduces glare. The TR8620 excels with both, but Glossy usually shows off its ink system better.
How should I store my printed photos?
To prevent fading, let your prints dry for at least 24 hours before stacking them. Store them in acid-free albums or behind UV-protected glass. Avoid high humidity areas like bathrooms or basements, as the dye-based inks in the TR8620 can “bleed” if the paper absorbs too much moisture from the air. Proper storage can keep your prints looking vibrant for decades.
Final Verdict
For most Canon PIXMA TR8620 users, sticking with Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II is the smartest move—it eliminates the guesswork and guarantees beautiful results. If you are printing hundreds of photos for a project, the Amazon Basics paper is a lifesaver for your wallet. However, if you’re printing a once-in-a-lifetime memory to frame on your wall, treat yourself to the Pro Platinum; the depth and quality are truly transformative.