Has anyone or is it possible to season the iron housings? I know most paint as part of a rebuild but I think the blackened look of natural cast iron and polished aluminum would look sharp. Definitely some upkeep... but still.

 

I haven't tried it yet, but I had similar idea to you.

What I came up with was to use charcoal based Black Linseed oil paint that they used to paint iron stoves with and such.

I like the look of other drying oils and carbon together such as the walnut oil seasoned cast iron pan I cook on and I put walnut oil on my Japanese teapot as well and it looks great, dries well if put on thin.

What I was going to try-
Fireplace Paint

 

And remember non-toxic to people doesn't necessarily mean non-toxic to pets.

Aromatic oils (drying, evaporating oils) like Linseed oil (and petroleum products) are poisonous to cats (and dogs to a lesser extent) from inhalation, ingestion and direct contact.