Wound care devices having a topically applied silver-based antimicrobial finish are provided. The finish consists essentially of at least one silver ion releasing compound (preferably silver ziconium phosphate, silver zeolites or silver glass) and at least one binder compound (preferably a polyurethane-based binding agent such as witcobon W-293). The finish may be applied to a target substrate, such as a fiber, fabric, or alginate to provide a single layer antimicrobial wound care device, in which the color of the original substrate is substantially maintained after application of the antimicrobial finish. Alternatively, the silver-containing substrate may be combined with one or more additional layers to provide a composite antimicrobial wound care device. The wound care device is preferably constructed so as to provide uni-directional transport of fluid away from a wound site.