question on grading
 

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.

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.

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.