| name | surface-flaw-taxonomy |
| description | Use when inspecting a card under angled light. Classifies every common surface defect by severity and grade-hit.
|
Surface Flaw Taxonomy
Surface flaws ride the laminate. Identify the defect family first, then measure severity. The taxonomy is small — only seven families matter.
The 7 defect families
| Defect | Cause | Grade hit |
|---|
| Print line | Factory laminate line | -0.5 to -1.5 |
| Print snow | White speckles in dark areas | -0.5 to -1.0 |
| Scratch | Visible groove, often crescent | -1.0 to -3.0 |
| Dimple | Tiny indent from packaging | -0.5 to -2.0 |
| Fingerprint | Oily residue | -0.5 to -1.5 (cleanable raw) |
| Roller mark | Wavy fan-shape from factory roller | -1.0 to -2.0 |
| Wax stain (vintage) | Pack wax bleed | -0.5 to N/G |
Inspection routine
- Daylight LED at 30–45° to card face
- Tilt slowly — print lines pop at one angle
- 10× loupe for scratches and snow
- Photograph at angle for the record
Never inspect under direct overhead light alone. Flaws vanish.
Foil amplification
Refractor/foil cards reveal more surface defects than matte. A scratch grading 8.5 on Topps base would grade 7 on Topps Chrome. Adjust expectations before submitting any chrome/refractor.
Where this fits in the X3 empire
Powers CardPrepAI's surface-grade prediction. Trained on this taxonomy + 14,000 graded comp examples.
