The invention relates to a composition containing at least the two following components: a) a silver carboxylate, and b) a terpene, an ink for ink jet printing and a paste for printing with a screen printing method, wherein the ink or the paste, respectively, each contains the composition according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method for producing a pattern on a substrate, at least comprising the following steps: A) providing a substrate and a composition containing at least one silver carboxylate and one terpene; B) applying the composition to the substrate while preserving a precursor with the pattern; C) treating the precursor with the pattern according to a treatment step that is selected from the group consisting of: a) at a temperature of more than 200° C. for at least 10 minutes, wherein the treatment is preferably carried out in an atmosphere of air; b) a photonic sintering process; c) a combination of a) and b), wherein the substrate to which the pattern is applied is preserved. The invention further relates to a printer, an item that is coated at least in part, and a use of the composition according to the invention for applying a pattern.