A surface finish may be formed in a microelectronic structure, wherein the surface finish may include an interlayer comprising a refractory metal, phosphorus, and nickel, with the refractory metal having a content of between about 2 and 12% by weight and the phosphorus having a content of between about 2 and 12% by weight with the remainder being nickel. In one embodiment, the refractory metal of the interlayer may consist of one of tungsten, molybdenum, and ruthenium. In another embodiment, the interlayer may comprise the refractory metal being tungsten having a content of between about 5 and 6% by weight and phosphorus having a content of between about 5 and 6% by weight with the remainder being nickel.