A method for applying a decorative metal finish to a substrate is provided which includes the following steps. The method employs depositing a thermally cured leveling layer overlying the substrate, and then subsequently a radiation-cured layer overlying the leveling layer. A decorative metallic layer then is deposited overlying the radiation-cured layer, which in a preferred embodiment is selected to provide a strong adhesive bond to the deposited decorative metal layer. A layered structure made by the foregoing method also is provided.