Whether you're looking to redecorate your entire living room or simply in search of a new way to jazz up an old piece of furniture, "Should you faux it yourself?" is an important question to ask.

Budget, timeline, and expectations are three key factors to consider when deciding if it's best to do it yourself or to hire a professional faux finishing painter.

Budget:

Obviously, your budget is an important factor to consider when deciding if you should hire a professional faux painter. Prices for faux finishing will vary by your geographic location, the experience of the painter, and the complexity of the finish you select. You should also ask if supplies are included in the estimate; some painters charge for these items separately.

Timeline:

The best professional painters tend to be very busy, so it may not be possible to get the job done quickly if you're in a rush or if you need to be in the house to supervise the work. A painter who is juggling multiple jobs at one time may also take longer than you expect to finish the project.

Expectations:

Considering your expectations is wise before deciding whether or not it's a good idea to hire a professional faux painter. If you're hard to please and worried the painter won't be able to achieve the effect you have in mind, it's better to save your sanity and faux it yourself. Doing the project on your own may also be the best choice if you are uncomfortable with the idea of strangers in your home.

Do It Yourself Tips:

If you want to faux it yourself, you don't have to be a professional artist. Using a faux painting kit provides all the tools you need to achieve great results. The DVD Faux Painting Kit comes with an instructional DVD covering ragging, color washing, Old World Parchment, and other faux finishes; a multi color palette to make it easier to work with several shades of glaze; a tuck and gather tool to let you to add texture to your work with sponges and other materials; and a poofy pad for blending multiple colors.

Here are some suggestions for making the most of your faux painting project: Keep in mind that intricate finishes can compete with other elements in the room. If you're painting a wall or a large piece of furniture, simple is best. Practice on a sample board until you feel confident that the finish you've selected is to your liking. Remember that it's always possible to paint the walls back to their original colors if your efforts don't come out as expected. Keep children and pets out of your work area to minimize distractions and painting mishaps.

Tips for Hiring a Professional

If you decide that hiring a faux painter is the best choice, keep in mind the following helpful tips: Obtain a written estimate of the price for the project. Review a portfolio of the painter's previous work to judge his or her skill level. Check references to see if a painter is trustworthy and reliable. Ask if the painter will be using subcontractors.