New to Cels, what's the generally accepted standard condition of cels?

Just got a Mononoke Cel from Takamura store. overall I'm very happy with it, however there are 3 small chips maybe a millimete-2mm in diameter, and the black lines are not completely solid. Is this to be expected?

The chips are not standard but a form of damage and should have been indicated in the seller's description. Most auctions will say "minor paint loss" or "three small peels" and many will include a separate scan with the damaged spots circled or highlighted. The fading of the trace lines is to be expected as part of cels' intrinsic vice (tendency to deteriorate due to the medium chemical instability). But a good description would indicate the degree of line fading. (E.g., "Some visible line fading in the character's hair.")

I would say that "standard condition" is undamaged with no visible trace line fading. But this varies with age and series. (Sailor Moon collectors expect line fading on any cel, due to the mediocre quality of acetate/paints used on this series.)

Ah I see, thanks for the explanation. Most of the paint chipping is on the black lines, and I'd probably be able to overlook those, but one above the eyebrow is rather noticeable due to its placement. Seller didn't mention anything.

How much do these kinds of imperfections lower the value of the cel?

Just want to mention Takamura had no problem offering a full refund with a return or a partial refund and letting me keep the cel. Will definitely do business with them again.

That's good to hear, as I do buy from Takamura pretty often.