Stainless doesn't stain or rust, but the lighter gauges, 16 and 18, can dent. It all scratches, but is easily refinished. Use a basin rack and you'll never dent.

The color goes all the way through the composites, so chipping isn't the disaster it is with an enameled sink. They are difficult to scratch, I have to put a diamond blade in a grinder or saw to trim them, however, if you do scratch it, you're stuck with it. I've finally gotten one customer complaint about staining on a bright white composite, however, the homeowner says that Magic Eraser removes them. If he gets a basin rack, his staining will probaby end too.

The composites don't usually crack after installation, however, recently I've had a third sink shipped to two different customers. I blame UPS and the packaging more than I do Blanco or Elkay.