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Best lighting to look at cards for gradeing?

SmokieSmokie Posts: 393 ✭✭✭
in PSA Set Registry Forum
What is the best lighting to look at cards for grading?

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    JoeBanzaiJoeBanzai Posts: 12,854 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Good question, I saw a dealer who had a small light that had a swivel arm and a high intensity bulb that really showed flaws that were hard to spot. I looked around and couldn't find one.

    Joe
    2013,14 and 15 Certificate Award Winner Harmon Killebrew Master Set and Master Topps Set
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    mrpeanut39mrpeanut39 Posts: 841 ✭✭✭
    I like natural light. A bright, sunny day. Sunlight streaming through the window. Tilt the card at many angles and you can really spot surface flaws and corner wear.
    "I think the guy must be practicing voodoo or something. Check out his eyes. Rico's crazier than a peach orchard sow." -- Whitey Herzog, Spring Training 1973
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    BenG76BenG76 Posts: 1,055 ✭✭✭
    I am going to use a small LED flashlight to help see the surface better. I have got hit with surface issues that I didnt see on some cards I have submitted. If you watch the PSA videos it looks like they grade in a darker room with a smaller lightsource at the desk they are working at.

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    GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,079 ✭✭✭
    The PSA grading room is a dark room with cubicles and those ikea style halogen desk lamps.

    Always looking for N690 Kalamazoo Bats and Newsboy Cabinets

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    Yankees001Yankees001 Posts: 1,496 ✭
    I always turned the lights off. No damage was ever noticed by me.

    Dave
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    ArchaninatorArchaninator Posts: 829 ✭✭✭
    .
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    nearmintnearmint Posts: 1,111 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I like natural light. A bright, sunny day. Sunlight streaming through the window. Tilt the card at many angles and you can really spot surface flaws and corner wear. >>



    I'll second that.
    Nearmint's Vintage Football Cards
    Vintage Football Card Gallery
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    SmokieSmokie Posts: 393 ✭✭✭
    OK the E is gone
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    viking7viking7 Posts: 343
    I'll 3rd that, and add that if you have the time you can check the cards twice. Use the natural sun light, and then try a bright light in the house for two looks. Good luck.
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    otwcardsotwcards Posts: 5,291 ✭✭✭


    << <i>OK the E is gone >>



    Only one of them. Doesn't bode well for catching other flaws... image
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    milbrocomilbroco Posts: 2,795 ✭✭✭✭
    I will 4th the natural sunlight is the best. Other than that I go with a regular 100 watt bright light bulb. I really hate those soft light buulbs.
    Bob
    ebay seller name milbroco
    email bcmiller7@comcast.net
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    ArchaninatorArchaninator Posts: 829 ✭✭✭
    Hmmmmm
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    54topps54topps Posts: 1,145 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I like natural light. A bright, sunny day. Sunlight streaming through the window. Tilt the card at many angles and you can really spot surface flaws and corner wear. >>




    Without a doubt this is the best.
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    WalterSobchakWalterSobchak Posts: 2,096
    I've always had good success with strobe.
    'Sir, I realize it's been difficult for you to sleep at night without your EX/MT 1977 Topps Tom Seaver, but I swear to you that you'll get it safe and sound.'
    -CDs Nuts, 1/20/14

    *1956 Topps baseball- 97.4% complete, 7.24 GPA
    *Clemente basic set: 85.0% complete, 7.89 GPA
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    fiveninerfiveniner Posts: 4,111 ✭✭✭
    Magnifying glass under light.
    Tony(AN ANGEL WATCHES OVER ME)
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    PSARichPSARich Posts: 534 ✭✭✭
    I use sunlight or a high intensity lamp, tilt the card in all directions and use a magnifying glass as my first step in evaluating cards to send in. Then I use a 10x flash (lighted) magnifier. I picked it up at the National this year for about $35 and it is amazing at showing flaws, particularly corners, edges and creases.

    When I am way off on an expected grade, it is almost always because I missed a crease. No matter how small, PSA seems to find them.
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