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This study examined the evolution of the surface topography of imperfections in response to painting. Critically-sized imperfections on industrially produced coated sheet steel surfaces were sampled, and carefully characterized. Changes in the surface topography were measured after painting simulations, and visibility after painting was assessed. Three-dimensional optical profilometry was demonstrated to be a powerful technique for assessing imperfection topographies and their evolution during painting; several imperfections that were completely invisible through human inspection after painting were still measurable by 3-D topography. Two primer surfacer systems were used, to compare a conventional liquid system with a high-build anti-chip powder system.