55.2-59 Rust/paint removal. What to do for my step into my cab

[Missyblue]

Curious if you would share photos or thoughts. The awesome people that painted the truck before I bought it made a mess. Rust is bubbling through my steps into the cab and they did no prep work so trying to decide what to do. I feel like I have seen some do the step area black? Or color match paint better? And opinions and photos would be helpful. I think I like matching color better but undecided.
Any advice on how to remove the paint and clean the steps? Not like I can sandblast it now. Been removing other rust with flapdisks, wirewheels and whatnot but havent had to go through this much paint and ridges from the texture of the stairs. Thanks