Abstract: A surface that is at least hydrophobic that is formed from a mixture that comprises a sol-gel that comprises an alkoxosilane precursor having a general formula of R?xSi(OR)4-x or (RO)3SiR?Si(OR)3, wherein R and R? are the same or different and comprise hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, a substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, a substituted or unsubstituted or multiple ring aryl group, or a combination thereof, and R? is a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenylene, a substituted or unsubstituted alkynylene, a substituted or unsubstituted or multiple ring arylene group, or a combination thereof, and x is 1 or 2. Also, the surface has a topography that decreases a contact area between the surface and a water droplet thereon.