Nope, no blank skin nodes ANYWHERE... Don't have post filter set to 4... I've noticed that the black lines appear on the "old" P4 square default object and one or two other "flat" props I've used, but not on the "new" P5 high rez square (cloth object), nor on other figures or things... The rest of the suggestions already mirror my methods, thank you, altho' I don't use a lot of alternate diffusing, but link white diffuse socket to image maps, as is normal, for a lot of objects. I hadn't thought of the smooth option, the sword was a straight prop, and is only being affected in one material area, though the hilt almost looks a little goofy as well.