Correlation between sol–gel reactivity and wettability of silica films deposited on stainless steel

•Silica films were deposited on 316L and 409 stainless steels via sol–gel technology.•Water and oil wettings were studied as a function of the acid used and its concentration.•A correlation between the surface wettability and the sol–gel solution reactivity is reported.•The wettability seems to be principally affected by the amount of alkoxy residues.•Hydrophilicity and oleophilicity properties vary simultaneously with the same tendencies.