Abstract: The accumulation of surface charges on insulators is an important factor that causes the degradation of the insulation performance of large-scale power transmission equipment such as DC gas insulated transmission lines (GIL). The research on how to effectively suppress the accumulation of surface charges on insulators has important engineering significance. The control and suppression of surface charge accumulation through material modification is currently a common and effective method. Based on the three main modification strategies, i.e., surface modification, doping modification, and other modification, the latest research progress in surface charge regulation through material modification in recent years were reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method were analyzed. Finally, the future research direction of controlling surface charge accumulation through material modification was prospected.