Research on paper surface modification, paper properties, paper-ink interactions, and their influence on inkjet print quality are currently subjects of great interest. In this study, dynamic interactions between aqueous pigment black ink and modified paper and their effect on print quality are discussed. Formulations of starch and blends of starch and poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride or polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether were used on base paper. Modified papers were printed on two printers. The paper performance is discussed in terms of surface energy, dispersive and polar components, and air permeability given the ink spreading and absorption. Results showed that paper modified with a blend of starch and poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride improves inkjet print quality. This modified paper showed higher black print density and lower line width, raggedness, intercolor bleed, and dot gain because of the spreading-absorption balance arising from the low surface energy and polar component.