Print lines, holo patterns and factory variation

Last updated: 25 October 2026

Pokémon cards are printed, cut and packed by machine in enormous numbers. As a result, no card is exactly the same as the next. On this page you can read what we consider normal production variation, what a real factory defect is, how to report a problem and how we deal with it.

Important up front: we never open the packs we sell. Boxes and cases are sold factory sealed. We take single packs from boxes we open ourselves, but the pack itself stays closed until you open it. So we only see what is inside, and in what condition, when you do.

Design or defect?

Many patterns that look like a defect are part of the design: the grid on Future cards (未来), the stone texture on Ancient cards (古代), the fixed holo patterns in sets such as Terastal Festival ex (SV8a) and the embossing on ex cards. A photo also often exaggerates: a phone camera turns holofoil into stripes and checks. So view and photograph a card in daylight, without flash. Explained with examples in print lines, scratches and white edges: what is normal?

Normal production variation

The following occur in every print run, with Japanese and English cards and with every seller:

• light print lines or bands in the holofoil;
• small print dots, specks or colour differences between print runs;
• a card that is not perfectly centred;
• slightly rough cut edges or a small white spot on an edge;
• a light scratch or hairline in the foil that was already in the pack;
• a slightly curved card due to humidity (see below).

This kind of variation can affect a grading by PSA, BGS or CGC. We never guarantee a particular grade, nor that a card from a pack is "gem mint". What you buy from us is a sealed product with random contents, as the factory made it. We therefore do not consider normal production variation a defect.

Curved cards (curling)

Does a card come out of the pack slightly bent, or does it curve after a few hours? That is called curling. It is not damage but a property of the material, and in almost all cases it flattens out by itself. How it happens and how to get a card straight again safely, you can read in curved Pokémon cards: cause and solution.

Curve or crease?

A curve is an even bulge across the whole card and flattens out. A crease or fold is a sharp line or a dent in the card and does not flatten out. If you see a crease in a card that comes straight from a sealed pack, it falls under the factory defects below. If a card is still clearly curved after two weeks of storing it flat, feel free to email us a photo of the side and we will take a look.

What is a factory defect

• a card that comes straight from a sealed pack torn, folded or sharply creased (a sharp crease, not an even curve);
• cards that are stuck together;
• a pack with fewer cards than it should contain;
• a serious misprint, for example a missing or shifted image or text.

Did the pack, box or case itself arrive damaged or unsealed? Then that does not fall under this page but under our regular handling of damage. See our return policy.

How to report a problem

Email info@kaikancards.com with your order number and:

• clear photos of the front and back of the card, in daylight and without flash;
• a photo of the opened pack (keep the empty wrapper for a while);
• if you have one: a video of the opening. It is not mandatory, but it makes the assessment a lot easier.

Report it as soon as possible after you discover it, preferably within 7 days. You will get a response within 1 working day.

How we deal with it

We look at every report personally. If it is a real factory defect as described above, we find a suitable solution together with you, for example a replacement pack from the same set. We also pass factory defects on, so that a bad print run gets noticed.

If it is design or normal production variation, we explain that to you honestly, if necessary with a comparison to other cards from the same set.

Your statutory rights

This page explains what you can reasonably expect from a sealed Pokémon product. It does not affect your statutory rights. You always keep your right to a product that conforms to the contract (conformity, Article 7:17 of the Dutch Civil Code) and your 14-day cooling-off period. You can read more about this on our Warranty & conformity and Return policy pages, and in Article 16 of our terms and conditions.