LEGO box scratches & scuffs grading.
AI scratch-and-scuff grading for sealed LEGO boxes.
How the AI sees it.
Scratches and scuffs are surface-paper abrasions — caused by rubbing against shelves, packing materials, or other boxes. Hairline scratches catch light only at certain angles; deeper scratches expose the cardboard substrate underneath the printed paper.
The grader perspective.
Light scratches are usually under 5% impact, but they cluster on the front face where buyers see them in resale photos. Deep scratches that expose cardboard cap the grade at EX 8.0 with most graders. Window-area scratches on Modular Buildings and sets with display windows are weighted higher.
↦ Scored on the BrickGauge surface axis.
Scratches & scuffs by tier.
Each tier maps to a defect signal and the grade ceiling it forces. Pre-grade your box with BrickGauge to see which tier yours lands in.
| Tier | Signal | Grade cap |
|---|---|---|
| MINT | No visible scratches at arm's length | AFA 90+ |
| NM | Hairline only, off-center, no cardboard exposure | AFA 85 |
| EX | Visible scratches catching light, no exposure | AFA 80 |
| VG | Deep scratches with cardboard exposure | AFA 75 or below |
Don’t create the damage.
- 01Wrap boxes individually in soft cloth or bubble wrap during storage and shipping.
- 02Don't slide boxes against each other on a shelf — friction causes hairline scratches that compound over time.
- 03Keep boxes away from textured walls and shelf surfaces. Even fabric shelf liners can scuff the print.
- 04Wear cotton gloves when handling high-value sealed sets; oils and grit on fingertips cause micro-abrasions.
Browse the rest.
See your scratches and scuffs scored.
Upload six photos and BrickGauge measures the scratches & scuffs on your specific box, scores it on the surface axis, and rolls it into an overall verdict. Two free inspections on signup — credits never expire.