The work aims to review the current research achievements and development trend of nano-coating on the substrate for ink-jet printing. The composition, curing mechanism, physico-chemical properties and optical performance of nano-coating on the surface for ink-jet printing were introduced based on the research achievements of surface nano-coating at home and abroad in recent years. Furthermore, the development trend and challenge of nano-coating for ink-jet printing were summarized and analyzed. The surface nano-coating could change the physical structure and chemical composition of surfaces of the material and its products. In the process of ink-jet printing, the quality of nano-coating on the surface of substrate for ink-jet printing directly affected the quality of prints. The discussion of performance, research status, development trend, challenge and other aspects of the nano-coating for ink-jet printing herein provided suggestions on the relevant researches and applications of nano-coating for ink-jet printing. Inkjet printing, as a typical digital imaging technology, can achieve the products with personalized and diversified images. To obtain perfectly reproduced product, the chemical composition or physical structure of the substrate surface should be optimized. The surface composition and organizational structure of the material and its products can be changed by the technology of surface coating. Therefore, it is significant to study the nano-coating on the surface of substrate for ink-jet printing.