Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy Review

Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy is one of the most popular photo papers for home inkjet printing. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to give you an honest review. Whether you are printing family snapshots, creating a portfolio, or making greeting cards, this paper aims to deliver vivid colors and a classic glossy finish. But is it the right choice for you? Let's break it down.

Design and Build Quality

Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy is a single-sided, high-gloss paper with a weight of approximately 260 gsm (grams per square meter). That makes it thicker than standard office paper but lighter than some premium photo papers. The surface has a smooth, reflective finish that enhances color saturation and contrast. The back of the paper is plain white, uncoated, and not intended for printing.

The paper comes in various sizes, including 4x6, 5x7, 8.5x11, and 13x19, so you can choose the right format for your project. Pack counts range from 20 to 100 sheets, giving you flexibility for occasional or bulk printing. The paper is designed to work with dye-based inks, which are common in Canon and other inkjet printers, and it is not recommended for laser printers.

Print Quality and Performance

When it comes to print quality, Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy performs admirably for its class. Colors appear vibrant and saturated, with good contrast and sharpness. The glossy finish adds a high-impact look that makes photos pop. Skin tones are rendered naturally, and fine details like hair and fabric textures are preserved well.

One area where this paper may fall short is with heavy ink coverage. Because it is not as thick as professional-grade papers, very dense ink areas can sometimes cause slight curling or a less uniform finish. However, for most typical photo printing, the results are very good.

The paper dries quickly, which is a plus for handling prints immediately after they come out of the printer. Smudging is rarely an issue if you allow a minute or two of drying time. The glossy surface is prone to fingerprints, so it's best to handle prints by the edges.

Ease of Use

Using this paper is straightforward. It is compatible with most inkjet printers, and you simply load it into the paper tray with the glossy side facing the print side. The paper is well-cut and feeds reliably through printers, with minimal jamming issues reported by users.

For best results, select the appropriate paper type setting in your printer driver, such as "Photo Paper Glossy" or "High Resolution Paper." This ensures the printer applies the right amount of ink for optimal color and drying. The paper is also available in convenient sizes that fit common photo printers without trimming.

Durability and Longevity

Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy is not marketed as an archival paper. According to Canon, prints displayed indoors will last about 10 years, and up to 30 years when stored in a photo album. This is fine for everyday prints, but if you want prints that last generations, you might consider a higher-end paper like Canon Pro Platinum, which offers enhanced longevity.

The glossy coating is susceptible to scratches and smudges, so it's wise to handle prints with care. Using protective sleeves or frames can help preserve the finish. The paper is also sensitive to humidity, so store it in a cool, dry place to prevent curling.

Value for Money

Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy offers good value for the price. It is more affordable than professional-grade papers while still delivering impressive results for everyday use. When you compare the cost per print to lab printing, using this paper at home can save money, especially if you print frequently.

However, if you are a professional photographer or need archival quality, the extra cost of premium papers may be justified. For most home users, this paper strikes a nice balance between quality and cost.

Comparison with Alternatives

How does Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy stack up against its closest rivals? Let's look at three popular alternatives.

Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum

Pro Platinum is a step up in quality. It is a heavier paper (300 gsm) with a higher gloss and a more luxurious feel. It offers better color depth and is more resistant to fading, making it a choice for professional prints. The downside is a higher price per sheet.

Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper

Epson's glossy paper is similar in weight and finish. It performs well with Epson printers, especially with pigment inks. Some users find it slightly less vibrant than Canon's paper, but it is a solid alternative if you use an Epson printer.

HP Advanced Photo Paper

HP's offering is also comparable, with a bright glossy finish and good color reproduction. It is designed for HP printers but works in others. It tends to be a bit thinner than Canon's paper, so it may not feel as sturdy.

In our comparison, Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy holds its own, offering a great balance of quality and price. The choice ultimately depends on your printer brand and specific needs.

Common Buyer Complaints

While overall feedback is positive, some users have raised concerns. A frequent complaint is that the paper curls slightly after printing, especially with large prints. This can be mitigated by flattening the prints under a book or using a paper press.

Another issue is that the glossy surface shows fingerprints and smudges easily. This is common with glossy papers, but it can be annoying if you handle prints frequently. Some users also note that the paper is not as thick as they expected, and it may not be suitable for heavy ink coverage without bleeding through.

Finally, a few buyers have mentioned that the paper is not truly archival, so they worry about longevity. If you need prints that last, you might want to invest in a higher-grade paper.

Final Verdict

Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy is a reliable and affordable choice for everyday photo printing. It delivers vibrant colors, sharp details, and a classic glossy finish that most people will love. It is easy to use and works well with a variety of inkjet printers.

If you are a casual photographer or just want to print snapshots at home, this paper is a great value. However, if you are a professional or need archival quality, you may want to consider a premium paper like Canon Pro Platinum. Overall, we recommend Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy for its performance and price.