Methods for making antimicrobial coating materials are described. Antimicrobial materials and antimicrobial material precursors are formed from hexahydrotriazine and/or a hemiaminal material and a non-fouling material and adhesive material may be incorporated into the antimicrobial materials and antimicrobial material precursors. The hexahydrotriazine and/or hemiaminal material may be made from a diamine and an aldehyde. Metal ions are also incorporated into the antimicrobial material precursors to form an antimicrobial material.