Can Canon Printers Print on Glossy Paper? Complete Guide for Photo Printing (2026)

If you’re planning to print photographs, marketing materials, brochures, or professional presentations, you may be wondering:

Can Canon printers print on glossy paper?

The answer is yes. Many Canon printers are specifically designed to print on glossy photo paper and can produce stunning, high-resolution images with vibrant colors and sharp detail.

Whether you own a Canon PIXMA, Canon imagePROGRAF, Canon MAXIFY, or Canon SELPHY printer, choosing the right glossy paper and printer settings can significantly improve your print quality.

In this updated 2026 guide, we’ll explain:

• Which Canon printers support glossy paper
• Best glossy paper for Canon printers
• Recommended printer settings
• Common printing mistakes to avoid
• How to achieve professional-quality photo prints

Let’s get started.

Quick Answer

Yes, most Canon photo printers and many Canon inkjet printers can print on glossy paper.

Popular Canon printer series such as:

• Canon PIXMA
• Canon imagePROGRAF
• Canon SELPHY
• Canon MAXIFY

support glossy photo paper and are capable of producing vibrant, high-quality prints when configured correctly.

For best results, use Canon-compatible glossy paper and select the appropriate media type in the printer settings.

What Is Glossy Paper?

Glossy paper is a specially coated paper designed to enhance image quality.

Its reflective surface helps produce:

• Brighter colors
• Higher contrast
• Sharper images
• Better photo detail
• Professional-looking prints

Because of these benefits, glossy paper is widely used for:

• Photo printing
• Marketing materials
• Product catalogs
• Portfolios
• Presentation graphics
• Event photography

Compared to standard paper, glossy paper delivers a much more polished appearance.

Why Use Glossy Paper with Canon Printers?

Canon printers are known for exceptional image quality.

When paired with glossy photo paper, Canon printers can produce:

Richer Colors

The glossy coating enhances color saturation and depth.

Sharper Details

Fine details appear clearer and more defined.

Better Photo Quality

Photos look more vibrant and professional.

Longer-Lasting Prints

Many premium glossy papers include fade-resistant coatings.

For photographers and creative professionals, glossy paper remains one of the best media options available.

Which Canon Printers Can Print on Glossy Paper?

Most Canon photo and inkjet printers support glossy paper.

Canon PIXMA Series

The Canon PIXMA series is one of the most popular options for home photo printing.

Popular models include:

• Canon PIXMA G Series
• Canon PIXMA TS Series
• Canon PIXMA TR Series

Benefits:

• Borderless photo printing
• Excellent color reproduction
• Affordable photo printing
• Wireless connectivity

PIXMA printers are ideal for home users, students, and photographers.

Canon imagePROGRAF Series

Canon imagePROGRAF printers are designed for professional printing environments.

They support:

• Glossy photo paper
• Fine art paper
• Poster media
• Exhibition-quality prints

Ideal for:

• Professional photographers
• Graphic designers
• Print shops
• Marketing agencies

Canon SELPHY Series

Canon SELPHY printers are specifically built for photo printing.

Advantages include:

• Compact size
• Portable printing
• Instant photo output
• Optimized glossy photo media

SELPHY printers work exceptionally well with glossy photo paper.

Canon MAXIFY Series

Many Canon MAXIFY models support glossy media for business marketing materials.

Ideal for:

• Flyers
• Brochures
• Product sheets
• Promotional materials

Best Glossy Paper for Canon Printers

Using high-quality paper is just as important as using the right printer.

Canon recommends:

Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II

Benefits:

• Excellent color accuracy
• Fast drying
• High durability

Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum

Ideal for:

• Professional photography
• Exhibition prints
• Portfolio printing

Canon Glossy Photo Paper GP-701

Perfect for:

• Everyday photo printing
• Family albums
• School projects

Can You Use Third-Party Glossy Paper?

Yes.

However, choose paper that is:

• Inkjet compatible
• High quality
• Suitable for Canon printers
• Similar in thickness to Canon media

Low-quality glossy paper may cause:

• Smudging
• Paper jams
• Poor color reproduction
• Slow drying

For best results, Canon-branded paper is recommended.

How to Print on Glossy Paper Using a Canon Printer

Getting professional results requires proper setup.

Step 1: Load the Glossy Paper Correctly

Insert the paper:

• Glossy side facing the correct direction
• Properly aligned
• Without bending or curling

Refer to your printer manual if unsure.

Step 2: Select Glossy Paper in Printer Settings

Open Print Settings and choose:

Media Type: Glossy Photo Paper

This allows the printer to optimize:

• Ink usage
• Print speed
• Drying time
• Color output

This is one of the most important steps.

Step 3: Choose High Print Quality

For best results:

Select:

High Quality

or

Best Quality

mode.

This improves:

• Color depth
• Detail
• Image sharpness

Step 4: Print a Test Photo

Before printing large batches:

• Test colors
• Verify alignment
• Check image quality

This helps avoid wasting expensive photo paper.

Common Problems When Printing on Glossy Paper

Even the best printers can experience issues if settings are incorrect.

Smudged Prints

Possible causes:

• Wrong media type selected
• Poor-quality paper
• Handling prints too quickly

Solution:

Allow prints to dry completely before touching.

Dull Colors

Possible causes:

• Low ink levels
• Incorrect color settings
• Low-resolution images

Solution:

Use high-resolution photos and genuine Canon ink.

Paper Jams

Possible causes:

• Thick media
• Curled paper
• Overloaded tray

Solution:

Load paper carefully and follow Canon’s recommended paper specifications.

Is Glossy Paper Better Than Matte Paper?

The answer depends on your project.

Choose Glossy Paper For:

• Photos
• Portfolios
• Marketing materials
• Graphic design projects

Choose Matte Paper For:

• Reports
• Presentations
• Text-heavy documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all Canon printers print on glossy paper?

No. Most Canon photo printers and many Canon inkjet printers support glossy paper, but some entry-level models may have limited media compatibility.

Do I need special ink for glossy paper?

Most Canon printers use compatible dye-based or pigment inks. For best results, use genuine Canon ink.

Can I print photos on glossy paper at home?

Yes. Canon PIXMA and SELPHY printers are designed specifically for high-quality home photo printing.

Why are my glossy photo prints smudging?

This is usually caused by incorrect paper settings, poor-quality paper, or touching the print before it fully dries.

Can I print double-sided on glossy paper?

Most glossy photo paper is coated on only one side, making double-sided printing impractical.

Final Verdict: Can Canon Printers Print on Glossy Paper?

Yes, Canon printers can print exceptionally well on glossy paper. In fact, many Canon printers are specifically engineered for photo printing and can produce vibrant, professional-quality results when paired with the right media.

Whether you’re using a Canon PIXMA for family photos, a Canon SELPHY for instant prints, or a Canon imagePROGRAF for professional photography, glossy paper can significantly enhance color, detail, and overall image quality.

For the best results in 2026, use genuine Canon glossy paper, select the correct media settings, and print high-resolution images. With the right setup, your Canon printer can produce stunning photo prints that rival professional printing services.