Layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) thin films can be used to significantly alter surface properties and control the chemical functionality of a surface. The alternate adsorption of oppositely charged poly-ion molecules creates an ultra thin film that has different properties than the substrate surface. When these films are formed on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrates and compressed, wrinkling or buckling occurs. The fundamental study and control of PEM film buckling was performed using optical microscopy, ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy. Additionally, the prevention of buckling will be demonstrated by incorporating functional materials into the PEM film during formation. The prevention buckles is undesirable in thin film applications. Additionally, our system is a basic model of human skin and creates a large amount of interest in preventing wrinkling.