Abstract: The method of the present invention uses a combination of gap measurement methods to map the gap in a joint in a high pressure vessel such as a steam turbine or steam valve. An exposed and supported surface is hydraulically balanced allowing any twisting of the surface to be removed. The map is then created using a blue contact method, feeler gages, deformable gap measuring medium and laser profiling for both surfaces of the joint. A restoration plan is produced using the map which minimizes the restoration work and produces matching joint surfaces. The joint surfaces are welded and/or machined and finally finished in accordance with the plan. A laser can be used to guide or reference the machine tool. Matching joint surfaces, especially if relatively flat, provide a better high pressure seal than relatively flat surfaces that do not match while relatively flat surfaces that do match produce an even better seal.