A method of fabricating a printhead having a hydrophobic ink ejection face, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a partially-fabricated printhead comprising a plurality of nozzle chambers and a nozzle plate having relatively hydrophilic nozzle surface, the nozzle surface at least partially defining the ink ejection face of the printhead; (b) defining a plurality of nozzle openings in the nozzle plate; (c) depositing a hydrophobic polymeric layer onto the nozzle surface; (d) depositing a protective metal film onto the polymeric layer; (e) subjecting the printhead to an oxidizing plasma; and (f) removing the protective metal film, thereby providing a printhead having a relatively hydrophobic ink ejection face. Step (b) may be performed immediately after any of steps (a), (c) or (d).