This study develops a one-step technique to synthesize various super water-repellent coatings with addition of modified silica nanoparticles. Surface topography observation showed that stacking of spherical silica nanoparticles formed primary surface roughness. The wettability of the products was investigated. It was found that the as-prepared surface possesses superhydrophobic properties not only for pure water but also for corrosive water under both acidic and basic conditions. The silica-based nanocomposite coatings can be fabricated on glass substrates and other functional engineering material surfaces, such as copper, iron, aluminum alloy, to form self-cleaning coatings. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.