The present invention relates to an adhesive article which can be used as a layer in or a cover for various articles in which a hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface is desired. The adhesive article includes a base layer having a first surface and a second surface and a coating layer formed on the first surface of the base layer, where the coating layer contains at least one adhesive resin and at least one hydrophilic polymer; at least one adhesive resin (which can be a hydrophobic polymer) and at least one surfactant; or at least one adhesive resin, at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one surfactant. Given the application, the coating layer can be formulated to provide either a hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface. The polymer portion of the coating provides the coating layer with sufficient hydrophilic properties to increase the rate fluid transport across (or in the area near) the coating layer.