If you use a spirit stain correctlt it will enhance the woods grain.. not cover it. I've installed staight cut and curved pads, the curved surface is much more difficult to do right.. It really has not effect on the function of the pad but does kinda show your work off. I put them on that way because that was what the customer wanted at the time.. Pads are different but many have a curved surface on the rear already.. and those that don't propose that a flat or even convex surface is less likely to hang up on clothing as the gun is mounted.. I don't know if it matters a lot. Especially with todays sticky rubber pads..
