The invention relates to a method for smoothing a surface (2) of a component (3), particularly of large structures, such as the hulls of ships, for subsequent painting, comprising the following steps: measuring the unevenness of the surface (2) of the component (3); leveling the unevenness by material removal and/or by material application of a leveling mass; applying reference marks at specific locations on the surface (2) to be measured before measuring the surface (2); and considering the reference marks when measuring the unevenness of the surface (2).