A new generation of metal pretreatments for improved paint adhesion and cosmetic corrosion is proposed and discussed. Such pretreatments involve the use of organofunctional silanes. These chemicals can be applied directly to the metal substrate or, alternatively, they can replace the Cr(VI)-containing final rinses of phosphate conversion systems. Various examples are presented of the application of silanes directly to the metal surface or in combination with a pre-rinse containing an inorganic silicate. Another method of application consists of exposing the metal surface to a gas discharge containing a silane vapor. Metal substrates that have been successfully treated include automotive steels such as cold-rolled steel (CRS), electrogalvanized steel (EGS) and galvannealed steel (GA). Several examples of the use of silane-containing pre-rinses of stainless steels (SS) to improve their adhesion to paint systems are also given.