Systems and methods for treating a carbon overcoat surface are described. In one embodiment, the method may include depositing a magnetic recording layer over a substrate, depositing a carbon overcoat layer over the magnetic recording layer, and exposing a carbon overcoat layer to water in gas phase after the carbon overcoat layer is deposited on the magnetic recording layer. In some cases, the method may include depositing a lubricant over the outer surface of the carbon overcoat after exposing the carbon overcoat layer to the water in gas phase.