question on grading

[loubrown]

Would tape stains on the front of cards be graded as a qualifier (ST) or just a straight 1 with PSA? The cards are 3's to 5's otherwise. Thought about trying to remove the residue/stains for kicks but it am struggling with finding an amount that is less than a gallon for the solvent that I've heard can be used.
(Toluene) and they are 54 Topps cards.

[swarmee]

PSA would normally give them 1s. But what you're doing is considered altering cards by PSA, so you'd downgrade it to a PSA AUTH if they determine the alteration. Leave the cards alone.

[loubrown]

I am aware that removing the residue would be altering the cards. Doing this for a few years myself (40+). And also aware that if I did clean them up, it would be apparent to PSA and was not asking about grading. I had a customer ask and as I have seen that there is a method to clean them up, I was looking into it. Not really worth the hassle. But thank you for your feedback.

I was thinking that they would be the actual grade + the qualifier and not just a straight 1. Might be wrong.