fixing my bass(mostly about paint)

[FireItUp]

so i have an ibanez gio bass and i cant afford a better one so im fixing it. im gonna put new pickups, pots, capacitors in it...i might replace the nut since its plastic(how do u do that i think stewart macdonald has a precut one for bass but how do u attach it),but i really want to paint it neon green(solid color) and maybe cut a black pickguard to fit it.

soo i know i have to tape stuff up, sand it down ( i have an electric sander),but how do u paint it... i have a compressor so is there like something i can buy or rent to attach to it or do ujust use a paintbrush(i doubt it but i dont knwo) or what.. i know to use acrylic paint and i need to finish it with lacquer
so 1) how do u paint it?
2) how much would this endeavor cost?

[bass&cookies]

about the nut, you can either glue it on or just set it on. the strings will hold it in place if you just set it on, and it's easier to take it back off if you want to modify it or replace it again.

[da_s_man13]

After doing all of this, your still going to be left with a Ibanez GIO. Just save and buy a nicer bass later. All of that isnt gonna be that cheap, considering your changing the pickups.

[hartke20g]

After doing all of this, your still going to be left with a Ibanez GIO. Just save and buy a nicer bass later. All of that isnt gonna be that cheap, considering your changing the pickups.

i agree. TS even said he was tired of the GIO. just save up and buy a new bass.

[FireItUp]

yea i know..i was considering saving up for a peavey grind or some tune bass i probably will now