One aspect of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device comprising a surface coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer, wherein said surface is glass, metal, plastic, polymer, or fiberglass. Another aspect of the present invention involves a method of preparing a PEM-coated implantable medical device, comprising the step of applying a film to a surface of an implantable medical device, wherein said film comprises a polyelectrolyte multilayer and said surface is glass, metal, plastic, polymer, or fiberglass. Another aspect of the present invention involves a method of reducing the wear between two contacting materials, comprising the step of moving a first material in contact with a second material in an environment, wherein a first surface of said first material is in contact with a second surface of said second material, wherein said first surface, said second surface, or both is coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer, thereby decreasing the wear of said first material, said second material, or both compared to the wear in the absence of said polyelectrolyte multilayer.