EFFECTS OF ELECTROPOLISHING Electropolishing is rarely sold as a method improving visual characteristics in relation to vessel fabrication. The most common reason that electropolishing would be specified is for the non-stick characteristics of an electropolished surface. There are two common means of inspection for this type of finish: surface replication followed by scanning electron microscope evaluation of visual surface condition or profilometer readings to evaluate surface roughness. The most common by far is the profilometer. Unfortunately, the profilometer readings only show you the surface roughness, not the quality of the electropolishing. End-users that understand electropolishing will specify both methods. A typical electropolish cycle will remove .0005" to .0010" of metal. The surface roughness may or may not be reduced, depending on the pre-existing surface finish.