Abstract: The invention relates generally to a process (100) comprising as process steps: a) providing a substrate having a substrate surface; b) providing a first composition, comprising: i) SnCl2, and ii) water; c) providing a second composition, comprising: i) sulfuric acid, and ii) a reducing agent; d) providing a third composition, obtainable by mixing: i) AgNO3, ii) nitric acid, iii) water, and iv) NH3; e) contacting the substrate surface with the first composition under obtaining an activated substrate surface; f) contacting the activated substrate surface with the second composition and the third composition, wherein the activated substrate surface has a temperature in a range from about 10 to about 50° C. The invention further relates to a composite obtainable by the above process; to a composite comprising an Ag-comprising layer; to a composition comprising AgNO3; and to a use of composition comprising AgNO3 for forming conducting paths.