The texture and appearance of the profile obtained through the surface-preparation process will vary, depending upon the concrete/asphalt strength, composition, aggregate and finish. On sound surfaces, the range of variation can be controlled to represent these standards, however, as removal depth increases, the profile of the prepared substrate will be increasingly dominant by the type and size of the coarse aggregate.

Confirmation that the desired profile has been achieved during the surface-preparation process is done by visually inspecting the surface, then comparing it to the profiles depicted by replica profile tiles, replica putty, replica tape, or SP photos (see below). The replica putty test is ASTM D7682, and the replica tape test is ASTM D4417.