One variation may include a method which may include depositing a hydrophilic coating over at least a portion of a fuel cell bipolar plate. The bipolar plate may include a reactant gas header opening communication with the plurality of tunnels. Moreover, the tunnels may be communicating with a plurality of channels which may be defined by reactant gas flow field which may include a plurality of lands. At least a portion of the hydrophilic coating may be reacted with the material including a hydrophobic group which may provide a hydrophobic portion. Thereafter, at least a portion of the hydrophobic portion comprising oxidizing the hydrophobic group may be removed in order to regenerate the hydrophilic coating.