The present invention related to an improved microetching solution and a method of using the improved composition for roughening a metal surface and increasing the adhesion strength of a metal layer to a subsequently applied layer. The microetching composition is an aqueous solution comprising cupric ion source, a pyridine derivative, multiethyleneamine, and an acid. In a preferred embodiment, the microetching solution of the invention also comprises a source of halide ions such as sodium chloride or hydrochloric acid.