We have newly installed red oak. We want to keep it's natural pale look. We tried the Bona Natural seal but it still does not look like the bare unpolished wood. It seems that the grains are becoming more prominent which I don't like. Currently the grains are very subtle, barely noticed. I also tried the Nordic Seal, but this made the floor hazy and pink.

Also note it will be on Cedar wood. But I’m specifically asking about the natural Cabot and natural/light oak Ready seal shades, not ready seal natural cedar

@Timothy Winzell - yes, other rooms in the house will be more challenging, due to previous owners letting water sit in the crawlspace and their dog urinating on the carpet, which got down to the boards :-/ There are even a couple of those spots in the room I've posted - can't see it because the sun is aimed right on that part of the floor. But, again, I'm okay with it - by the time furniture, etc. goes in, it's less noticeable - and honestly, the floors are 62 years old - they're not going to look brand new. They're still beautiful to me, though.

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!