A method for treating a surface comprises depositing a first coating comprising a plurality of nanoparticles on a substrate, wherein the first coating defines a plurality of interstitial spaces; and depositing a second coating comprising metals, metal oxides, or mixtures thereof by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the first coating and within the interstitial spaces defined by the first coating. A mechanically stable coated product comprises a substrate; a first coating comprising a plurality of nanoparticles deposited on the substrate; wherein the first coating defines a plurality of interstitial spaces; and a second coating comprising metals, metal oxides, or mixtures thereof deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the first coating and within the interstitial spaces defined by the first coating. The mechanically stable thin film coating imparts mechanical robustness to the nanoparticles thin film, and retains or improves the desired optical and wetting properties of the nanoparticle thin film.