We investigate the water-repellent ability of graphene-based surfaces stabilized on silicon carbide (SiC) and the nanocrystalline cerium oxide (CeO2) films electrodeposited on them. Water contact angle is revealed strongly dependent on the number of graphene monolayers on SiC, indicating partial permeability of graphene on SiC. Fluctuations in the roughness of textured surfaces as well as variations of oxygen vacancy content in CeO2 electrodeposits are determinant for the hydrophobicity of the interaction between water droplets and nanocrystalline CeO2 electrodeposits on monolayers graphene on SiC. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.