The work aims to find an efficient and convenient way to clean up oil. Superhydrophobic-superlipophilic metal mesh material was prepared by developing zinc oxide (ZnO) crystal with nano-column structure on smooth stainless steel metal mesh substrate in hydrothermal method, and applying surface modification to ZnO metal mesh with long chain silane of low surface energy. Microstructure, chemical composition and wettability of the material surface were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, infrared spectroscopy, contact angle test and adhesion test. Surface of the modified metal mesh material was covered by uniform ZnO micro/nanostructure. The ZnO crystal column was nearly 3~5 μm long, and its cross section exhibited regular hexagonal morphology. Surface of the ZnO subject to low surface energy treatment became blurred while its structure remained the same. Compared with blank metal mesh, water contact angle of the modified metal mesh was 154° while oil drop contact angle was 0°. The metal mesh material could collect and recycle spilled oil on water surface automatically. Oil recovery efficiency of various oils and organic solvents were all over 95%, it was still up to 90% after cyclic oil absorption for 10 times. Moreover, the metal mesh had good abrasion resistance, it maintained excellent superhydrophobicity after being stripped for 50 times or sanded by 800# sandpaper. Under the synergy of ZnO micro/nano structure and low surface energy substances, the metal mesh surface exhibits excellent superhydrophobicity and super-lipophilicity, and it can automatically collect oil on the water. It is suitable for oil spill cleanup due to high oil-water separation efficiency and good coating stability.