Methods of forming vias in substrates having at least one damage region extending from a first surface etching the at least one damage region of the substrate to form a via in the substrate, wherein the via extends through the thickness T of the substrate while the first surface of the substrate is masked. The mask is removed from the first surface of the substrate after etching and upon removal of the mask the first surface of the substrate has a surface roughness (Rq) of about less than 1.0 nm.