Provided is a surface having metal regions and an interstitial region having a composition that differs from the metal regions, wherein a continuous gel layer coats the surface across the metal regions and the interstitial regions. Nucleic acids or other analytes can be attached to the continuous gel layer such that a greater amount is attached over the metal regions than over the interstitial region. Also provided are methods for making such surfaces. Methods are also provided for making an array of nucleic acids or other analytes using such surfaces.