55lb plates appeared to have quite a few cosmetic touch ups of almost the same color red, but glossy paint, which makes the blemishes show up more. Appearance doesn't really bother me much and the rest of the plates are fine. Half a star from me for having what look like quality assurance stickers inside the steel inserts. The stickers rub off on the bar and make a mess. Wish I had noticed them and scraped them out prior to using. Another half star for the stink. Seriously, these things do smell. Not like a good petroleum smell (mmm..gasoline) but almost like an oily mothball smell. Not good. I live in a small house with a door to the garage just off the kitchen. (I work out in the garage). Just opening and closing the door makes my whole downstairs stink. I have cleaned them since they came coated in oil....but I hope in time the smell will abate. Thanks Vulcan!