The film surfaces of poly(styrene) (PS) and an acrylic lacquer were modified by the addition of small amounts of three surfactant monomers. The effects of these surfactant monomers on the polymer surface were studied with respect to the nature of both the surfactant monomers and the host polymers to which they were added. By using polymerizable, monomeric surfactants, the surface modification could be made permanent. Comparison with unmodified films show that the bulk properties are not affected when the small amounts of surfactants monomers needed totally to change the surface are added.