ISO 8503-5:2003 describes a field method for measuring the surface profile produced by any of the abrasive blast-cleaning procedures given in ISO 8504-2. The method uses replica tape and a suitable gauge for measuring, on site, the roughness of a surface before the application of paint or another protective coating.

The method is applicable within the range of profiles cited for a given grade (or thickness) of replica tape. The commercial grades currently available permit measurement of average peak-to-valley profiles of 20 micrometres to 115 micrometres. The method is valid for surfaces that have been cleaned with either metallic or non-metallic abrasives.