Surface preparation is defined as cleaning and surface roughening to ensure optimum adherence of paint and coatings. Roughness refers to the micrometrical shape of the surface called surface profile. It can be evaluated in many ways with sophisticated and reliable instruments. Stylus instruments are available to measure roughness in terms of Ra, Rmax, Rz or Rt.

Based on the specified values the suitable grit and shot can be selected for surface preparation.

Segments which need surface preparation are primarily :