Embodiments of the disclosure include coatings comprising an oligomerized polyphenol layer. The oligomerized polyphenol layer can be used as an intermediate coated layer on a medical device that hydrogen bonds to a synthetic or natural polymer, which in turn can be used as a top coat or further associated with another coated layer. The multilayered coatings can provide properties such as hemocompatibility or lubricity. In other embodiments, the oligomerized polyphenol layer is used on a medical device as a hemostatic layer configured to contact blood and promote coagulation. The oligomerized polyphenol layer can also be used on the inner surface (e.g., inner diameter) of a medical device to prevent bacterial adherence. The oligomerized polyphenol layer can also be used on the surface of a in vitro diagnostic article, or a cell culture device to, promote adsorption of a biological molecule.