2010 Topps Chrome - Veining

[mjmuller43]

I searched and searched for any thread on this topic but haven't come across anything.

I recently purchased quite a few 2010 Topps Chrome NFL cards and have come across a few of the refractors that have a sort of "veining" - has anyone come across this before? Is this relatively common?

Wondering the impact of the card and grading impact as well.

[jplarson]

Can you share a picture as an example?

[TheFrenzy]

Veining as in webbed scratches or as in crinkled surfaces?

Or do your your cards look like a Snickers bar?

[mjmuller43]

Having a tough time capturing on camera but see first pic. In the silver part of the card you can see some very slight streaks. In person, these are much more visible. Microfiber clothe and/or water does nothing. Seems to be in the card print almost?

[TheFrenzy]

Originally Posted by mjmuller43

Having a tough time capturing on camera but see first pic. In the silver part of the card you can see some very slight streaks. In person, these are much more visible. Microfiber clothe and/or water does nothing. Seems to be in the card print almost?

Ah, the "marbling" there in the chromium finish.

I'll need to check my own Dez cards.

[mjmuller43]

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

Ah, the "marbling" there in the chromium finish.

I'll need to check my own Dez cards.

Suppose "marbling" is a better word to describe it. Its not on all of them, only a few. Assumed age of the card played a factor but dont see any discussion on it so thought maybe it was just these specific cards.

Appreciate your responses! Also - if those dez cards are up for sale, you have a buyer! ha

[TheFrenzy]

Originally Posted by mjmuller43

Suppose "marbling" is a better word to describe it. Its not on all of them, only a few. Assumed age of the card played a factor but dont see any discussion on it so thought maybe it was just these specific cards.

Appreciate your responses! Also - if those dez cards are up for sale, you have a buyer! ha

Just checked. It looks like the basic refractor is the most noticeable. The X-Fractor looks almost perfectly smooth, but when I hold the basic refractor just right in the light I can see the veins/marbling/elephant skin somewhat. It's not as pronounced as your example, so there may be some variation across cards.

My guess is that the refractor coating (someone probably has the exact Topps schematics) was somewhat stretched when it was originally applied to the cards and over time it "shrinks" under the clear coat finish.

I wish we had more videos on YouTube explaining the technical processes that go into the manufacturing of different cards.

[mjmuller43]

Originally Posted by TheFrenzy

Just checked. It looks like the basic refractor is the most noticeable. The X-Fractor looks almost perfectly smooth, but when I hold the basic refractor just right in the light I can see the veins/marbling/elephant skin somewhat. It's not as pronounced as your example, so there may be some variation across cards.

My guess is that the refractor coating (someone probably has the exact Topps schematics) was somewhat stretched when it was originally applied to the cards and over time it "shrinks" under the clear coat finish.

I wish we had more videos on YouTube explaining the technical processes that go into the manufacturing of different cards.

I really appreciate your response here. Very good insight and a likely cause for it. I do agree with you - does seem to be just the basic refractor. Xfractor, orange, blue and purple dont seem to have it.

Again, thank you!

[marinocollector]

I passed up an Adrian Peterson gold yesterday because of this

[hermanotarjeta]

Is it like an early wave refractor prototype?

[WallyatJCCards]

I’ve noticed this on mine as well, sorta warped looking. Must be the finish on them???