Abstract: A process for the metallization of a substrate and the product formed thereby. An extremely thin (substantially less than the wavelength of light) coat of metallic particles is deposited on a transfer agent. A thin coat of varnish is applied to either the substrate or the transfer agent, the substrate and the transfer agent are laminated together and the varnish is cured. The metallic particles will become absorbed within the varnish and the substrate and transfer agent are then separated. The substrate is provided with a highly polished specular metallic finish.