Weapon exterior and sticker condition are separate
A finish's exterior does not describe every applied sticker's condition. Separate the inspection into the weapon surface and each decorative element. Valve's original sticker announcement explains that scraping changes a sticker and can remove it. A sticker name therefore cannot establish preservation of its artwork. Use an individual image of the candidate rather than catalog artwork showing a separate, new sticker.
Review three kinds of detail
In a close-up, check the outer contour, fine lettering and central image. Then return to the normal playing scale and consider whether the changes remain visible without enlargement. Do not assign a numerical damage percentage from one screenshot: lighting, scale and transparent areas can produce ambiguity. If a listing supplies separate sticker-condition data, record it as source information rather than replacing it with your own guessed number.
A partly readable logo example
Hypothetical item A preserves a recognizable central symbol but has difficult-to-read small lettering. Item B has clearer text but a composition you find less attractive. A collection focused on readable names may favor B; a playing design focused on the symbol may favor A. Both goals are legitimate, but choose deliberately. Do not describe missing text as an intentional design feature until you have compared the original sticker artwork.
Review every applied sticker
| Element | Record |
|---|---|
| Contour | Visible boundary condition |
| Lettering | Recognizable characters |
| Central artwork | Recognition at playing scale |
| Image source | Individual inspection or generic catalog |
Do not scrape a sticker to test its condition or experiment on a valuable item. That changes the object rather than viewing it. For intact stickers that look awkward, read the placement guide. Use the finder for a different underlying finish, evaluating surface and decoration separately.