The aim of this study was to tailor the surface properties of cellulose acetate membranes using low-pressure plasma processing. Argon (Ar) plasma and Difluoromethane (CH2F2) plasma were used to control the surface wettabilities of cellulose acetate membranes. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to examine the various chemical species of low-pressure plasma processing. In this investigation, the plasma-treated surfaces were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while changes in morphology and surface roughness were determined with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Ar plasma activation resulted in hydrophilic surface. CH2F2 plasma deposited hydrophobic layer onto the cellulose acetate membrane because of strong fluorination of the top layer. The results reveal low-pressure plasma processing is an effective method to control the surface properties of cellulose acetate membranes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010