What they do
A furniture finisher applies stain, lacquer, paint, oil and varnish to furniture, and polishes and waxes finished furniture surfaces. Other tasks will be to:
- examine and disassemble furniture to determine the extent of damage or deterioration and the best method for repair or restoration
- repair broken parts and fill cracks and imperfections
- follow plans to produce specific designs.
- remove old finishes and damaged or deteriorated parts
- design and decorate entire pieces or specific parts of furniture, such as chairs and draws for cabinets.
- create an antique appearance
- recommend woods, colours, finishes, and furniture styles.
Working conditions
A furniture finisher will need to have minimum allergic reactions to dust and spirit based products such as turpentine and shellac. All timber furniture finishers work indoors, generally in a shop environment, and are exposed to a high noise level, some airborne sawdust and chemicals from painting and stripping products. There is some risk of injury involved in working with high-speed woodworking machinery. You may be required to lift equipment or supplies weighing up to 25 kilograms.
Tools and technologies
Furniture finishers use a variety of tools and materials including: wax; shellac; nitro cellulose lacquer; stain; paint; solvents; bleach; sanding blocks; steel wool; rags; brushes; automated sprays; stripping tools; wood fillers; dip baths; nails; screws and tacks; hammers; chisels, screwdrivers; planes and saws. They may also use wood lathes, drill presses, routers and other machinery.
In mass production many of the traditional hand processes are automated and include a conveyer or overhead conveyer system.
How do I become one?
Education and training
To become a furniture finisher, you usually need to undertake an apprenticeship in timber furniture finishing. The apprenticeship usually takes 36 months to complete and is available as a school-based apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
As an apprentice or trainee, you are employed and get paid while you complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You'll do a combination of on the job training - gaining hands on skills, knowledge and experience - and structured training with a registered training provider such as TAFE.
You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.