This paper presents the analysis of the effect of surface topography on shear strength of lap adhesive joints from steel S235JR. Steel surfaces were prepared to bond with various methods of mechanical treatment. It was found after using the linear correlation method that strengthening properties of tested joints are strongly correlated with hybrid surface topography parameters. Shear strength of milled adherends can be increased as a result of subsequent grit blasting. (C) 2013 Politechnika Wroclawska. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.