Print Lines, Print Spots, Factory Defects: Will Graders Deduct Points?

Print Lines, Print Spots, Factory Defects: Will Graders Deduct Points?

Manufacturing imperfections are a fact of life when it comes to trading cards. But when you're eyeing a high grade from PSA, BGS, or CGC, the question becomes: will print lines, print spots, and other factory defects cost you points? Understanding the distinction between manufacturing errors and handling damage is crucial. This guide breaks down which defects graders penalize heavily versus those they often overlook, equipping you with the knowledge to accurately assess your cards before submission. Use our free AI card grader to pre-screen for potential issues!

Manufacturing Defects vs. Handling Damage: A Crucial Distinction

Grading companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and CGC (Certified Collectibles Group) primarily focus on the condition of the card after it leaves the factory. This means they're looking for damage caused by handling, storage, or other external factors. Manufacturing defects, while visually unappealing, are generally assessed differently. They are a part of the card's inherent production quality.

The crucial difference lies in responsibility. Graders generally won't penalize a card for something the factory did, but they will dock points for damage sustained after manufacturing.

Common Manufacturing Defects and Grading Impact

Here's a breakdown of common manufacturing defects and how they typically affect grading:

Print Lines: These are thin, often parallel lines visible on the card's surface, caused by imperfections on the printing plates or during the printing process.

Print Spots: Small, isolated spots of ink or discoloration that appear on the card's surface due to dust, debris, or ink splatter during printing.

Edge Wear (Factory-Induced): Minor imperfections on the edges that were present before the card was handled. This can result from the cutting process or the card stock itself.

Centering Issues: Misalignment of the image within the card borders during printing.

Surface Scratches (Factory-Induced): Very fine scratches on the card's surface caused during the manufacturing process.

Roller Marks: Light marks or lines on the card's surface caused by the rollers in the printing press.

Fisheyes: Small, circular imperfections in the card's surface, often appearing as raised bumps.

Wax Staining: Residue left on the card surface from wax packs.

How Graders Assess Manufacturing Defects

Graders consider the severity and impact of the defect. A minor print line barely noticeable under normal viewing conditions might be overlooked. A large, distracting print spot directly on the main image will likely be penalized.

Here's a general framework for understanding how graders might approach these issues, keeping in mind that each card is evaluated individually:

Minor Defects (Barely Noticeable): Often ignored, especially if the card is otherwise in excellent condition. Examples: a single, faint print line, a tiny print spot in a non-critical area, minor factory-induced edge wear.

Moderate Defects (Noticeable but Not Severely Distracting): May result in a slight grade reduction, typically 0.5-1 point. Examples: Several noticeable print lines, a moderate print spot on the background, slightly off-center image.

Severe Defects (Highly Distracting and Affecting Overall Appearance): Will likely result in a significant grade reduction or even a rejection. Examples: Prominent print lines across the main image, large print spots obscuring key details, severe centering issues.

Important Note: Centering is a crucial factor. According to PSA's official grading standards, a card must meet specific centering requirements to achieve a high grade. Even if a card has no other flaws, poor centering can significantly lower its grade. Use MasterGrade's centering tool to assess your cards before submitting!

Case Study: PSA Grading of a "Problematic" Card

Let's consider a real-world example. Imagine you have a Charizard Base Set card from 1999, currently valued around $2,000 in PSA 9 condition as of Q1 2026 auction data. However, it has a noticeable print line running horizontally across the top portion of the card.

Here's how PSA might assess it:

Overall Condition: PSA will first assess the card's overall condition, looking for any other flaws like surface scratches, corner wear, or edge damage.

Severity of the Print Line: Is the print line faint or prominent? Does it detract significantly from the card's appearance?

Location of the Print Line: Is it in a non-critical area, or does it run through Charizard's face?

Centering: Is the card well-centered? Good centering can sometimes offset minor manufacturing defects.

If the print line is relatively faint and the card is otherwise in excellent condition, PSA might still award a grade of 8 or even 9. However, a more prominent print line, especially if it runs through the main image, could result in a grade of 7 or lower. The value difference between a PSA 7 and a PSA 9 Charizard Base Set can be substantial.

Steps to Take Before Submitting a Card for Grading

To avoid disappointment and wasted grading fees, follow these steps:

Thorough Inspection: Examine the card carefully under good lighting using a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe.

Identify Potential Defects: Note any print lines, print spots, edge wear, or other imperfections.

Assess Centering: Use a centering tool to measure the centering of the image within the borders.

Compare to Grading Standards: Review the official grading standards of PSA, BGS, and CGC to understand their specific criteria.

Use MasterGrade's AI Pre-Screen: Before paying for professional grading, use our free AI card grader to get an instant assessment of your card's potential grade. This can help you identify potential issues and avoid costly mistakes.

Consider the Cost-Benefit: Weigh the potential grade against the grading fees and the card's value. Is it worth grading a card with noticeable manufacturing defects?

By carefully assessing your cards and understanding the grading criteria, you can make informed decisions about which cards to submit for grading and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. You can also track the value of your graded cards with our collection tracker!

Ultimately, understanding the difference between manufacturing defects and handling damage is essential for successful card grading. While graders are generally lenient with factory flaws, they will heavily penalize damage caused after manufacturing. Use our pricing page to compare grading options!