For trading card collectors, the pursuit of mint condition cards is a key part of the hobby.

Whether it’s Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, sports cards, or any other collectible card, pristine condition is often synonymous with higher value and greater desirability.

One of the most frustrating imperfections that collectors encounter is the presence of print lines. These subtle yet significant flaws can detract from a card’s appearance and reduce its value, making them a topic of much discussion and concern within the collecting community.

We dive deep into the world of print lines on trading cards, explaining what they are, how they occur during the manufacturing process, why they exist, and how they impact the collectibility and grading of cards.

1. What Are Print Lines?

Print lines are fine, linear marks that can appear on the surface of a trading card. They are typically straight and can range in visibility from barely noticeable to quite prominent. These lines often run horizontally or vertically across the card, sometimes cutting through the card’s artwork or background.

a) Characteristics of Print Lines

  • Appearance: Print lines are usually thin and straight, though their length and position on the card can vary. They may appear as light or dark lines, depending on how the light hits the card and the background color of the card’s surface.
  • Location: Print lines can occur anywhere on the card, but they are often most noticeable in areas with solid or dark colors, where the contrast makes them stand out more.
  • Consistency: Print lines are not unique to specific cards or sets; they can be found across various types of cards, regardless of the manufacturer or printing method.

b) Common Misconceptions

It’s important to differentiate print lines from other types of surface imperfections, such as scratches or creases. Unlike scratches, which are typically caused by mishandling or improper storage, print lines are a result of the card’s production process. They are not caused by damage after the card has been printed but are inherent to the card when it leaves the factory.

Printing line on the back of Zion Prizm - Blowout Cards Forums

2. How Print Lines Occur: The Manufacturing Process

To understand how print lines form, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the card printing process. Trading cards are typically printed using large sheets of cardstock, which are then cut into individual cards. The process involves several steps, including printing, cutting, and finishing, each of which can introduce the potential for print lines.

a) The Printing Process

Most trading cards are produced using offset printing or digital printing techniques. In offset printing, the card’s image is transferred from a metal plate to a rubber blanket, and then onto the card stock. In digital printing, the image is directly applied to the cardstock using high-resolution printers.

Print lines can occur during this printing stage due to various factors:

  • Roller Pressure: The printing process involves the use of rollers that apply ink to the cardstock. If the pressure of these rollers is uneven or if there’s a defect in the roller, it can create a print line on the surface of the card. This line is usually consistent across multiple cards in the same print run.
  • Ink Distribution: Variations in the distribution of ink can cause print lines, especially in areas of the card with large solid colors. If the ink doesn’t evenly cover the surface, it can result in faint lines where the ink is either too thick or too thin.
  • Print Drum Issues: In some cases, issues with the print drum or plate can cause print lines. If the drum or plate has a defect or if debris gets caught between the drum and the card stock, it can leave a linear mark on the card.

b) The Cutting Process

After the cards are printed, they are cut from large sheets into individual cards. This cutting process can also introduce print lines:

  • Blade Defects: If the cutting blade is dull, damaged, or misaligned, it can cause subtle pressure lines along the edges of the card. While these lines are more commonly associated with edge defects, they can sometimes extend onto the surface of the card.
  • Sheet Alignment: Misalignment of the sheets during cutting can result in print lines, especially if the cutting equipment applies uneven pressure across the sheet.

c) The Finishing Process

Finally, cards often undergo a finishing process, which may include adding a protective coating or applying a foil layer for holographic cards. This stage can also contribute to the appearance of print lines:

  • Coating Issues: During the application of a protective coating, imperfections in the machinery or inconsistencies in the coating application can create print lines.
  • Foil Application: For cards with foil elements, print lines can appear if the foil is not applied evenly or if there are issues with the heat or pressure used during the foiling process.

Hit the pull of my life… and it has a print line. Need advice : r/basketballcards

3. Why Print Lines Exist: The Realities of Mass Production

Print lines, like other minor imperfections, are often a byproduct of the mass production process. Trading cards are produced in large quantities, with thousands or even millions of cards being printed, cut, and packaged within a short period. Given this scale, it’s nearly impossible to achieve perfect uniformity across every card produced.

a) Manufacturing Tolerances

Every manufacturing process has certain tolerances—acceptable levels of variation or imperfection. In the world of trading cards, print lines fall within these tolerances. While manufacturers strive for high-quality output, minor print lines are considered an unavoidable aspect of the production process, particularly in large-scale operations.

b) Cost and Efficiency

Manufacturers must balance quality with cost and efficiency. Implementing measures to eliminate print lines entirely would require more stringent quality control, slower production speeds, and potentially higher costs, which could make cards more expensive for consumers. As a result, some level of imperfection is tolerated to maintain affordability and production speed.

c) Collector Expectations

Collector expectations also play a role in the existence of print lines. While some collectors are highly discerning and seek only the most pristine cards, others are more lenient, accepting minor imperfections as part of the hobby. This variation in expectations allows manufacturers to operate within a certain range of quality, knowing that most collectors will still value the product even if it has minor flaws.

Error card? Black line going through holo underlay over the head. : r/pokemoncards

4. The Impact of Print Lines on Card Collectibility

For collectors, the presence of print lines can significantly impact a card’s desirability and value, especially in the context of grading and resale.

a) Grading and Print Lines

When cards are submitted for professional grading, companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) assess the card’s overall condition, including the presence of print lines. The severity and visibility of print lines can affect the card’s final grade:

  • Minor Print Lines: Light, barely visible print lines might not have a significant impact on the card’s grade, especially if the card is otherwise in excellent condition.
  • Prominent Print Lines: More noticeable or multiple print lines are likely to result in a lower grade, as they are considered flaws in the card’s surface quality.
  • Cumulative Effect: Print lines, combined with other imperfections like centering issues, edge wear, or corner damage, can substantially lower a card’s grade.

b) Market Value

The market value of a card with print lines depends on several factors:

  • Rarity and Demand: For highly sought-after cards, minor print lines might not drastically affect value, especially if the card is rare or iconic. However, for more common cards, print lines can significantly reduce their appeal and market price.
  • Collector Preferences: Some collectors prioritize the condition of their cards and may be willing to pay a premium for cards without print lines. Others may be more forgiving, focusing on the overall rarity or significance of the card rather than its minor imperfections.
  • Graded vs. Ungraded Cards: For graded cards, print lines are often reflected in the grade, making it easier for buyers to assess the card’s condition. For ungraded cards, sellers and buyers must rely on detailed descriptions and images, making clear communication about the presence of print lines essential.

5. Can Print Lines Be Prevented or Fixed?

Given that print lines occur during the manufacturing process, they are generally unavoidable for the end consumer. However, understanding their cause and how they occur can help collectors make informed decisions about the cards they purchase and how they store them.

a) Prevention During Manufacturing

Manufacturers continually work to improve their processes and reduce the occurrence of print lines. Advances in printing technology, better quality control measures, and more precise machinery can help minimize these imperfections. However, as long as mass production is the norm, some level of imperfection, including print lines, will likely persist.

b) Fixing Print Lines: A Word of Caution

Once a print line is present on a card, there is little that can be done to remove it without risking further damage. Attempts to buff or polish out a print line can lead to additional surface damage, potentially reducing the card’s value even further. For this reason, it’s generally recommended that collectors leave the card as is and accept the print line as a natural part of the card’s production.

Print lines, while often a source of frustration for collectors, are a reminder of the complexities involved in the production of trading cards.

They reflect the challenges of achieving perfection in a mass-produced product and serve as a testament to the unique qualities that make each card distinct.

For collectors, understanding print lines—what they are, how they occur, and why they exist—can lead to a deeper appreciation of the cards they collect.

While print lines may impact the value and grade of a card, they are also part of what makes each card unique. By embracing these imperfections, collectors can enjoy the hobby for what it is—a celebration of the art, history, and community that trading cards represent.

Happy collecting!