A one-step electrodeposition method was developed to simultaneously prepare multifunctional superhydrophobic/ superoleophilic coatings on cathodic and anodic magnesium surfaces, which was conducted in an ethanol solution containing magnesium nitrate and myristic acid. The morphology, wettability and chemical composition were characterized, which indicated that the low surface energy material (magnesium myristate) and hierarchical structures were generated on surfaces of the anode and cathode during this process. Water contact angles (CAs) of the coatings were greater than 150 degrees and sliding angles (SAs) were less than 6 degrees. Moreover, contact angles of olive oil, benzene, methylbenzene and dichloromethane were 0 degrees. The corrosion potentials (E-corr) of the anodic and cathodic superhydrophobic/ superoleophilic coatings increased and corrosion current density (i(corr)) decreased by 2 orders of magnitude, showing excellent corrosion resistance. Oil absorption tests showed that the superhydrophobic and superoleophilic property remained and the oil absorption capacities of the prepared coatings were 4.65 g/g and 7.62 g/g respectively even after 10 times of oil absorption and deoiling. Moreover, the anodic and cathodic superhydrophobic/ superoleophilic coatings exhibited outstanding self-cleaning ability, chemical, long-term storage and mechanical stabilities. Since the substrates are bulk materials, this method may have a promising future in enlarging the applications of magnesium alloys. C) The Author(s) 2016. Published by ECS. All rights reserved.