Best Glossy Photo Paper for Canon PIXMA PRO-200
If you’ve recently upgraded to the Canon PIXMA PRO-200, you already know its eight-color dye-ink system produces some of the most vibrant, “wet-look” glossies in the business. However, feed it the wrong media and you’ll face frustrating bronzing or muddy blacks. After years of testing dye-based printers, I’ve found that the right paper choice is the difference between a professional gallery print and a home-office snapshot. My top pick, Canon’s own Plus Glossy II, remains the gold standard for this specific machine.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Glossy Photo Paper for Canon PIXMA PRO-200: Detailed Reviews
Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II (PP-201) View on Amazon View on B&H
There is a reason I always keep a few packs of the PP-201 in my studio. Since the Canon PRO-200 uses the ChromaLife100+ ink system, this paper is literally engineered to chemically bond with those specific dyes. At 265 gsm, it has a substantial, premium feel without being so thick it jams the rear tray. You’ll notice the color “pop” is immediate—the reds and blues are exceptionally deep, and because it’s a dye-ink-friendly resin-coated paper, it dries almost instantly to the touch. The dMax (black density) is significantly better here than on third-party budget options. My only gripe is that it can occasionally exhibit a slight curl if your room humidity is very low, but once framed, it looks flawless. It’s the safest, most consistent choice for any PRO-200 owner who wants to hit ‘Print’ and know exactly what they’re getting.
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Red River UltraPro Gloss 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you are looking for the quality of high-end brands like Hahnemühle or Canon Pro Platinum but find the price tag a bit steep for bulk work, Red River Paper is the pro’s secret weapon. Their UltraPro Gloss 2.0 is a 68lb paper that mimics the look and feel of traditional lab prints perfectly. When I used this with the PRO-200, I was blown away by the neutrality of the whites; it doesn’t have that overly blue-cool tint that cheaper papers often suffer from. It is specifically designed to handle heavy ink loads without “pooling,” which is vital for the PRO-200’s rich dye saturation. You will need to download their custom ICC profiles from their website (don’t skip this step!), but once installed, the color accuracy is spot-on. It’s an incredible value for anyone printing wedding albums or event photos where sheet cost matters.
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PPD Inkjet Glossy 180g View on Amazon View on B&H
Let’s be honest: not every print needs to be a 300 gsm archival masterpiece. Sometimes you just want to print out some photos for the fridge or check your composition before committing to expensive paper. PPD (Photo Paper Direct) offers a 180g glossy that is surprisingly capable. While much thinner than the Canon brand papers, the PRO-200’s dye inks still look sharp on this surface. You won’t get the same depth in the blacks (the dMax is noticeably lower), and the paper is more prone to fingerprinting because it lacks a high-end protective top-layer. However, for the price of a single pack of premium paper, you can get hundreds of sheets of this. It’s my go-to for “test prints” or when I’m printing photos for my kids’ school projects. It’s thin, so be careful with the paper feed to avoid any multi-sheet pickups.
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Hahnemühle Photo Glossy 260 View on Amazon View on B&H
When I have a landscape shot that I want to look like liquid glass, I reach for Hahnemühle Photo Glossy 260. While Hahnemühle is famous for its textured matte papers, their glossy RC (Resin Coated) paper is a sleeper hit for the PRO-200. It offers a level of sophistication in the gloss that cheaper papers can’t match; there is almost zero “orange peel” texture on the surface. When the PRO-200’s dye inks hit this paper, they sink in with a clarity that makes high-resolution images look three-dimensional. It is a bit more expensive, but for a fine art portfolio, it is unmatched. It feels substantial and “expensive” in the hand. Just ensure you use the correct Hahnemühle ICC profile, as this paper handles the light-gray and gray inks of the PRO-200 beautifully to create stunning, neutral black-and-white glossy prints with no color cast.
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Canon Pro Platinum (PT-101) View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want the heaviest, most “stiff” photo paper available for your PRO-200, the Pro Platinum is it. At 300 gsm, it’s significantly thicker than the Plus Glossy II. I find this paper particularly good for portraits because the extra thickness gives the print a feeling of permanence and value, making it perfect for gifting to clients or family. The brightness level is very high, which makes skin tones look luminous and vibrant. It also boasts the best fade resistance in Canon’s lineup when paired with the PRO-200’s inks. The only reason it isn’t my “Best Overall” is that for many, the extra cost over the Plus Glossy II doesn’t result in a massive jump in visual quality—the difference is mostly in the physical weight of the paper. But if you want the absolute “top shelf” Canon experience, this is the one.
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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 |
| Red River UltraPro | Value/Volume | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| PPD 180g Glossy | Budget Proofs | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Hahnemühle 260 | Fine Art | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Canon Pro Platinum | Premium Weight | ★★★★★ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Epson paper in my Canon PRO-200?
Yes, you can! However, since the PRO-200 is a Canon machine, it doesn’t have built-in profiles for Epson papers. You will need to select a “closest match” Canon setting (usually Plus Glossy II) or, better yet, create or download a custom ICC profile. In my experience, Epson Ultra Premium Glossy works surprisingly well with Canon dye inks, though the color temperature might lean slightly cooler than intended.
What is the difference between Glossy and Luster?
Glossy paper has a smooth, shiny surface that maximizes sharpness and color vibrancy, but it is prone to reflections and fingerprints. Luster (sometimes called Satin) has a slight texture that hides fingerprints and reduces glare while still offering good color depth. For the PRO-200, I personally prefer Glossy for high-contrast landscapes and Luster for portraits where skin texture should look soft and natural.
Why do my glossy prints look “bronzed” or oily?
Bronzing usually happens with pigment printers, but on a dye printer like the PRO-200, it can occur if you use paper designed for pigment inks or very cheap, non-microporous paper. The ink sits on top rather than sinking in, creating a metallic sheen. Using the papers recommended above, specifically those with “Resin Coating,” will eliminate this issue entirely and ensure a smooth, professional finish.
Is 300 gsm paper too thick for the PRO-200?
The PRO-200 can handle 300 gsm paper like Canon Pro Platinum or even thicker fine art papers through the manual feed tray. However, if you use the top rear tray, you might experience occasional feed errors with very stiff 300 gsm sheets. For anything over 270 gsm, I recommend using the manual feed slot at the back to ensure a straight paper path and avoid head strikes.
Do I really need to use ICC profiles?
If you want professional results, absolutely. An ICC profile tells the printer exactly how much of each of the eight inks to spray onto a specific paper surface to achieve accurate color. Without it, your prints might look too dark, too green, or lack detail in the shadows. Most premium paper manufacturers provide these for free on their websites specifically for the PIXMA PRO-200.
Final Verdict
For most Canon PRO-200 users, sticking with the **Canon Plus Glossy II** is the best move; it’s perfectly tuned to the printer’s ink set. If you are a high-volume shooter or a professional looking to save on costs without sacrificing quality, **Red River’s UltraPro** is a fantastic alternative. For those rare gallery-bound masterpieces, the **Hahnemühle 260** provides a level of luxury and depth that truly showcases what this 8-ink printer can do.