To visually enhance the look of the gauge we need to add a background layer behind our scale, tick-marks and pointer. To do this, we will add shapes to the FaceShapes collection.

From the FaceShapes collection editor, you will notice we can add a variety of shapes including Ellipses, Rectangles, Sectors, Segments or even our own bitmap images.

1. Click the ellipsis button next to the Gauges property in the Properties window. The C1Gauge.Gauges Collection Editor dialog box opens.
2. Click the ellipsis button next to the FaceShapes property. The C1RadialGauge.FaceShapes Collection Editor opens.
3. Select C1GaugeEllipse from the Add drop-down button. We will style this ellipse by giving it a gradient background and thicker border.
   
4. Expand Filling and set the Color property to White and set the Color2 property to LightGray.
5. With Filling still expanded, set the BrushType property to Gradient.
6. To modify the gradient direction, expand Gradient and set the Direction property to RadialOuter. You can also set many more gradient related properties under the Gradient node.
7. Expand Border and set the Color property to DimGray and the Thickness property to 2.