A notch treatment method for flaw simulation including providing the specimen with the notch, the notch having a re-melt material layer; isolating the notch; and selectively etching the notch to provide an etched surface of the notch; wherein at least a portion of the re-melt material layer has been removed from the notch. In one aspect, there is provided a notch treatment method for flaw simulation including providing the specimen with the notch, the notch having a re-melt material layer, the specimen includes steel or an alloy thereof; isolating the notch; and selectively etching the notch with a first etching solution and a second etching solution to provide an etched surface on the notch; wherein at least a portion of the re-melt material layer has been removed from the notch.