The design of the Outlast MicroShield , is a genius design to prolong a lifelong problem of stainless steel scratching. The alternating raised design keeps utensils, & pans from touching evenly across any spot on the sink. This keeps objects from applying any uniform force which causes impact scratching. The raised design is not obtrusive either, just enough to get the job done. We love the look . The design gives it a nickel appearance. We paired ours with a Kraus nickel finish faucet. A nice change from the 80's norm stainless steel, chrome faucet.