A method for enhancing the metal ion release rate of a substrate having a coating of a metal thereon. The method includes the steps of forming the metal­coated substrate and then subjecting the metal-coated substrate to a step that removes portions of the metal coating to form at least one notch in the metal coating, thereby increasing the surface area of the metal coating. The increased surface area enhances the metal ion release rate of the substrate. The metal may be silver. A silver-coated substrate may be used in the formation of medical products having increased antimicrobial and/or anti-fungal characteristics.