Abstract: A method of providing a metal layer on a substrate having an ultra-smooth or microprofiled surface, in which the surface structure is reproduced in the metal layer. On the substrate surface which is hydrophilic or is made hydrophilic, preferably a monomolecular layer of alkoxysilylalkylthiol, an alkoxysilylalkylamine or a chlorosilylalkylthiol is provided as a bonding intermediary in a layer which is at most 15 molecules thick by contact with an atmosphere in which said substance is present in a vapor form. The metal layer is vapor-deposited thereon in a thickness of 50-300 nm.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing an article of synthetic resin which has an electroless provided metal layer in which a mixture of monomeric acrylates and an N-substituted pyrrolidon compound is polymerized, the resulting article is treated with an aromic carboxylic acid substituted with one or more hydroxy groups and/or an amino group, or derivatives thereof, and a metal layer is then provided on the thus treated article by electroless deposition.