Etched capillaries for use in open tubular electrochromatography are modified by silanization/hydrosilation and organosilanization. The migration behavior of both types of capillaries is evaluated with small basic molecules, peptides and proteins. Comparisons of peak symmetry and efficiency are used to measure the effectiveness of the two methods for modifying the etched surface. From this information, the suitability of each method for use with etched capillaries can be determined.