A reflective layer for use in lighting devices and methods of forming the reflective layer are provided. The reflective layer may include a dielectric layer including one or more insulating materials. An intermediate layer may be formed on the dielectric layer. The intermediate layer may include one or more materials having a higher enthalpy of reaction than the one or more insulating materials. Because of the higher enthalpy of reaction, atoms of the one or more materials in the intermediate layer may form bonds with atoms of the one or more insulating materials. A metal layer may be formed on the intermediate layer to reflect light emitted from an active region of a light emitting diode (LED).