Aries oval step bars- R&R question

My truck came with the Aries step bars. They need to be repainted (dull and flat) and I would like to remove the step pads, paint everything, then forever black the steps and reinstall.

Can I just pry up the steps and then reinstall them or do I need some other component to reinstall...like new barrel nuts or something? I don't want to get started on it and then realize the pads will not reinstall.

I know I can buy new pads with nuts, but the cost is too much. I would just replace the bars with a flat type step that sits up close to the body. The replacement pads cost about a much as new 5 or 6 inch wide steps if I am thrifty with my search and purchase of new steps.

I could just tape them off and paint but I know the finish will not last long doing that.

Ideas?