Mine were the same way, and already almond colored.
Here's what I've been told, the tanks are off/from 1985.
#1 need new valves (I am told the new ones are safer and ARE compatible with old hoses)
#2 need re-certified (I have my doubts about how "through" this step will be... :P )
#3 Pursuiant to #2, they need to be rust free which mine were not. Painting over the labels is supposedly OK, major issue is they can't show rust or be obviously pitted (That includes the "foot" ring on the bottom)
As you say, light colors.
I am in the middle of my 2nd coat of almond paint, I laid on 2 coats of rust stop primer first. I have not yet gotten them filled, so I may find out different from what I've been told by the folks at the very same shop...
(This BTW is in PA - local law might be different)
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