The metal goes up, with a gasket between it and the valve body. Filter media goes toward the bottom of the pan. Look at the instruction sheet that come with the new filter. It will show you how it's supposed to look.
Remember, the only stupid question is the question never asked. You don't have to be afraid of asking any question you have in here. We all had to learn sometime. We weren't born knowing what we know. Besides, how does anyone learn anything without asking questions?
