A silane film that can be used in a wide range of environments, on metals of engineering interest, as a standalone process or as a primer for a top-coating by common paint systems. The film generally comprises: a) at least one bis-silane; b) a water soluble or dispersible polymer; c) nanoparticles; and, d) a water soluble solvent. It is also within the scope of the present invention to include a leachable inhibitor into the silane film. In sum, the present invention teaches a silane composition that may be applied by dipping, wiping, spraying, brushing, or other conventional techniques, whereby the film composition provides a metal treatment that is water soluble and may provide the availability of the coating to "heal" by utilizing a leachable inhibitor whenever damage occurs from scrapes or scratches.