Condition & flaws
Print lines
Also called: print snow, snow
Print lines are faint streaks left on a card during printing, and print snow is a speckled, snowy texture. Both are surface flaws common on chrome and refractor cards.
Print lines are thin lines running across the surface from the printing process, while "snow" describes a scattering of tiny white specks. Neither is damage from handling; they come from manufacturing and are most visible on shiny chrome and refractor cards under angled light.
Severity varies, from barely noticeable to distracting.
Why it matters: because they are surface defects, print lines and snow can cost a card points in grading, so collectors tilt chrome cards under light to check for them before buying or submitting.
This glossary is a plain-language reference for collectors, not financial or purchasing advice. Card values move, so always check recent sales before you buy or sell.