Multi-step heterogeneous phase chemical reaction schemes were used to develop different surface chemistries on nonporous glass substrates. Reliable analysis of the products of reaction was needed, because many of the functional groups introduced to the surface were intended to serve as reactive sites for further chemical tailoring to meet specific applications. Because the mass of the surface derivatization layer was only parts per million of the substrate mass, analysis of the reaction products was daunting. However, surface evaluation was accomplished by using several analysis methods in combination and by using the particular glass geometry most suitable to each analysis method.