"You did not hear the whole story. A waterborne film-forming finish, if used without a stain or a sealer that will color the wood, can result in a bland appearance." Totally agree. "Bland" is a key word. If you do waterborne finish with stain, make sure the finisher builds up with a sealer prior to many coats of finish. Otherwise the finish will just disappear into the (un)stained wood. Also make sure you select your sheen: matte (low) to gloss (high). While you're at it, go beyond and get references and if possible see what his/her jobs look like. Check the BBB for complaints. And don't assume your heartily recommended wood floor specialist will pick manufacturer compatible products. Most wood floor stain/finish manufacturers only test their products for durability and look. Take your proposal and spend a good amount of time reviewing it. Study up. It will save aggravation and heart ache in the end. Good luck.

I just put in an oak floor and had the register problem too. I use magnetic air deflectors, so it was easier to stick with the metal register covers. My oak has a light stain on it called "Butterscotch". It's not quite the same as the natural but it's very close. I sprayed the registers with Rustoleum Ultra Cover 2x in Khaki. I'll try to get a picture for you tomorrow. I think the registers blend into the floor nicely. If the paint does not hold up I'll get the oak covers and glue on something for the magnets to stick to, but I've painted other metal registers in the house and so far they are all holding up fine.

Janice , the best natural finish over White Oak comes from Bona with their Bona Traffice Naturale'. <- link Its Greenguard indoor air certified and very durable. Its made to offer the highest levels of durability and protection for the flooring while maintaining nearly the look of unfinished. We apply it to our American made flooring. Here is a list of recent projects using this finish <- link .

Did you ever have any luck with the banister? i have white oak, red oak, and fir in my house trying to make it all match or complement the look of natural white oak! If you found something that worked can you please share an after photo and the color used? thanks!