This invention discloses a method for controlling nanoscopic wetting near or at a molecular scale for synthetic material applications. In particular this invention relates to a method for preparing a monolayer or thin film with a patterned nanoscopic wetting surface using a ‘sitting’ phase of polymerizable amphiphile, wherein hydrophobic alkyl chains of the amphiphile extend along the supporting surface and the amphiphile molecules align side-to-side, effectively forming a repeating cross-section of bilayer with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic stripes of a ˜6 nm pitch tunable based on the chain length of the amphiphile. Products prepared according to the methods disclosed herein are within the scope of this invention. In some embodiments, monolayers or thin films so prepared are transferable.