A method for providing a magnetic recording transducer is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, and a magnetic shield having a top surface above the substrate. The top surface is treated by a first plasma treatment performed at a first power. An amorphous ferromagnetic (FM) layer is deposited on and in contact with the top surface to a thickness of at least 5 Angstroms and not more than 50 Angstroms. A second plasma treatment is performed at a second power. A magnetic seed layer is provided on and contact with the amorphous FM layer. The magnetic seed layer may comprise a bilayer. A nonmagnetic spacer layer is provided above the magnetic seed layer, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer provided above the spacer layer, and a read sensor provided above the AFM layer.