Describes a visual and tactile method for assessing the grade of the profile. Their use is not solely restricted to surfaces that are prepared to be painted. Comparison of the surface profile of the test surface with the profile of each of the segments of a calibrated ISO surface profile comparator. Identification of the two segments between the profiles of which the test surface lies. the method is applicable to steel surfaces that have been blast-cleaned by use of either shot abrasives or grit abrasives.