A method can effectively eliminate a surface level difference (irregularities) in a film formed on an object without producing scratches in a surface of the film, and can polish and remove the film into a flat surface with greatly increased productivity. The method comprises carrying out a first polishing step by pressing a polishing pad of a polishing device, having a diameter which is smaller than the radius of the object, against the surface of the object at a first pressure while moving the polishing pad and the object relative to each other at a first relative speed. The first polishing step is terminated at a point in time when a surface level difference in the object is eliminated to a targeted level. The method further comprises carrying out a second polishing step by pressing a polishing pad of a polishing device, having a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the object, against the surface of the object at a second pressure while moving the polishing pad and the object relative to each other at a second relative speed.