The Print Line Myth: Exactly How Much Factory Damage a PSA 10 Can Have
Published January 25, 2026 • 15 min read
"It has a print line, so it can't be a 10." We hear this daily. However, PSA's official (and unofficial) standards for 2026 actually allow for minor factory defects—if they meet certain criteria.
The 'Subtle' vs 'Obvious' Rule
A print line that is barely visible under 10x magnification but invisible to the naked eye at an arm's length is technically allowed for a Gem Mint 10. This is especially true for modern Prizm and Chrome sets where "factory lines" are endemic to the entire print run.
How AI Categorizes Print Lines
Our AI analyzes depth and contrast. A "ghost line" (zero depth, zero color change) is ignored. A "roller mark" (physical indentation) is a grade-killer. Knowing the difference can save you $100s in submission fees.
The 2026 'Transparency' Trend
With the rise of TAG and automated grading, PSA has become slightly more lenient on surface-level factory issues to compete. If the centering and corners are 10.0, a single, light factory line often slides through as a 10.
Scan Your Surfaces
Upload a high-res photo to our Surface Analyzer to see if your print lines are "Leagal 10s" or "Automatic 9s."
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