Furniture Finishers
A furniture finisher finishes shapes, finishes and re-finishes damaged, worn, used furniture or new high-grade furniture to specified colour or finish.
A furniture finisher job restores and preserves furniture using a variety of hand and power tools. They apply knowledge of fabrics and wood to complete projects. They evaluate furniture finishing to appreciate the extent of any damage and then decide upon an optimal method for restoration. Furniture finishers typically work indoors in a workshop where sufficient light and ventilation are present. They are employed by furniture manufacturers/suppliers of wood or construction companies.
The profession of a furniture finisher may require a high school diploma or its equivalent. One may have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in the area of speciality with 2-4 years of experience. They should have knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, cost and other techniques for effective manufacturing and distribution of goods.
Ideally, a furniture finisher is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Hence they rely on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. They perform a variety of tasks under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.
To be a successful furniture finishing there are certain skills that one should apprentice to accomplish the responsibilities. One should have the ability of active listening, hand steadiness, critical thinking, operation monitoring, judgement and decision-making, and possess a natural ability to creatively distinguish and use colours.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 3 Furniture Finishers
- NSQF Level 4 Bamboo Processor and Dryer
Tasks
- Mix finish ingredients to obtain desired colors or shades.
- Brush, spray, or hand-rub finishing ingredients, such as paint, oil, stain, or wax, onto and into wood grain and apply lacquer or other sealers.
- Smooth, shape, and touch up surfaces to prepare them for finishing, using sandpaper, pumice stones, steel wool, chisels, sanders, or grinders.
- Select appropriate finishing ingredients such as paint, stain, lacquer, shellac, or varnish, depending on factors such as wood hardness and surface type.
- Fill and smooth cracks or depressions, remove marks and imperfections, and repair broken parts, using plastic or wood putty, glue, nails, or screws.
- Distress surfaces with woodworking tools or abrasives before staining to create an antique appearance, or rub surfaces to bring out highlights and shadings.
- Examine furniture to determine the extent of damage or deterioration, and to decide on the best method for repair or restoration.
- Paint metal surfaces electrostatically, or by using a spray gun or other painting equipment.
- Recommend woods, colors, finishes, and furniture styles, using knowledge of wood products, fashions, and styles.
- Remove old finishes and damaged or deteriorated parts, using hand tools, stripping tools, sandpaper, steel wool, abrasives, solvents, or dip baths.
Progression Routes
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