A method for the preparation of corrosion-resistant and decorative coatings and layer systems for substrates of metals, preferably light metals. Also, method for the production of a coating and a layer system for substrates of metal, with which a decorative and corrosion-resistant, heavy-duty surface can be produced, including applying an adhesion layer (e.g., by chromatization) and a lacquer layer and a plasma etching process for the pre-treatment and improved adhesion of the subsequent layers, or PVD layers from oxides or metals. Providing PVD layers of a metal or metal alloys, and copper, nickel chromium which are chiefly galvanically applied are also preferably included.