Embodiments herein may relate to a technique for generating a via in a substrate. Specifically, the technique may include coupling a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer, a protective metal layer, and a build-up layer to a metal layer. The process may further include etching a via in the PET layer, the protective metal layer, and at least a portion of the build-up layer. The process may further include performing a plasma desmear process on the substrate and then peeling the PET layer to remove the PET layer and the protective metal layer. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.