an ink jet print head is provided that includes a nozzle plate having an outer metal layer having nozzles for ejecting ink drops , and a coating of a non - wetting polymer chemically bound over the outer surface of the metal layer of the plate . preferably , the polymer is a block polymer having a head that includes the chemical group that chemically bonds with the outer metal layer , and a tail that is hydrophobic . the resulting polymer coating prevents inks from pooling , drying , and creating deposits which would otherwise impede or clog the ink jet nozzles . the chemical bonding between the non - wettable polymer and the metal surface creates a highly durable polymeric layer that resists being wiped off during both printing and head cleaning operations .