Fluorocarbon films were deposited on carbon overcoated magnetic recording media from monomers using an ion beam apparatus. The films were characterized using sensitive surface analytical and spectroscopic methods. These include nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, dielectric spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning Kelvin probe, ellipsometry, Rutherford backscattering, Auger electron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, contact angle, and nanoindentation. The film thickness, chemical composition, hardness, and surface potential were measured across the media surface. The fluorocarbon film was insoluble and no melting or glass transition was observed up to 220 degrees C. Ambient organic adsorbates are detected on the surface, and the film undergoes a relaxation process that occurs over about 20 days time following deposition. The initial advancing water contact angle is controlled through surface modification by a plasma treatment in the final deposition stage.