Disclosed is a conversion composition containing a trivalent chromium cation in an amount of 0.001 g/L to 20 g/L. Also disclosed is a system for treating a metal substrate that includes the conversion composition and a sealing composition comprising a lithium cation. Also disclosed is a method for treating a metal substrate that includes contacting at least a portion of a surface of the substrate with the conversion composition and then contacting at least a portion of the surface of the substrate with the sealing composition. Also disclosed is a substrate obtainable by treatment with the system and/or obtainable by the method of treating.