A method of finishing the surface of a structure, which comprises fixing a rigid or elastic pattern member on a surface, with the pattern member including a releasable covering material applied thereto, applying a coating material to the surface and the member, removing the covering material, which is peelably attached on the surface of the pattern member, together with an uncured portion of the coating material placed on top of the pattern member, before the coating material is completely dried, and curing the coating material. In this way, the pattern member remains in the coating material as a joint, providing an attractive surface finish disposed within the coating material.