Then rustoleum?

you are so fortunate, my registers are old but plain!

I like them as they are. Lots of character. Maybe freshen up around the...paint walls a light color? Had to tell without seeing the rest of the house.

If they are in good shape just clean them but if rusted, clean and repaint

We had ours sandblasted to remove the surface gunk - rust, paint, etc - and then painted with iirc Rustoleum.

I should have mentioned - you can usually detach them, which is advisable if you don't want to sandblast surrounding trim, floods and walls!

Well, when you say they don't make'm like that anymore- this is what they are talking about. Search the web for 'How to restore iron grates'. You need a wire brush, vinegar, sand paper and paint. These are the kind of things that get painted over in white or ripped out and tossed. I'm thrilled to hear that you are taking the time to bring them back! Keep us updated on all your projects! Would love to see house pictures! Good luck!

Check youtube for DIY videos on how to do it.

We have a 1890's house we are restoring and have just had 16 beautiful antique grates "soda blasted". It's similar to sand blasting but a finer grit. They came out great! Instead of painting them we are having them powder coated on advice from the soda blaster. Trying to decide what colour to do them. Need advice - should we match to baseboard colour or go with just black? I've been trying to find pictures of similar in a house/room without success.