Furniture Finisher Career Video
Furniture finishers are skilled professionals who work on restoring, refinishing, and maintaining the appearance of wooden furniture. They use various techniques and materials, such as sanding, staining, and varnishing, to enhance the wood’s natural beauty while preserving the furniture’s integrity. If you enjoy working with your hands, have an eye for detail, and appreciate craftsmanship, a career as a furniture finisher might be the perfect fit. In this guide, we will explore what furniture finishers do, the working environment, the required skills and education, career prospects, and whether this career is right for you.
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What Does a Furniture Finisher Do?
Furniture finishers are primarily responsible for the surface treatment and finishing of wooden furniture. Their goal is to enhance the furniture’s appearance, durability, and longevity by applying various finishes, such as stains, varnishes, lacquers, and paints.
Key Responsibilities of a Furniture Finisher
Surface Preparation
One of the main tasks of a furniture finisher is to prepare the surface of the wood. This includes cleaning the furniture, sanding it to remove imperfections, and ensuring the wood is smooth and ready for finishing. If the furniture is being restored, the finisher may also need to strip old finishes before refinishing.
Applying Stains and Finishes
Furniture finishers apply stains, varnishes, or paints to the wood to achieve the desired look and protection. They must understand how different finishes interact with various types of wood and ensure the consistency and even application of the finish.
Restoration and Repair
In some cases, furniture finishers may need to restore or repair antique furniture or pieces with damaged surfaces. This could involve fixing scratches, cracks, or dents, matching finishes, and reapplying the appropriate treatments to make the furniture look like new again.
Maintaining Equipment
Furniture finishers must maintain their tools and equipment, including sanding machines, spray guns, brushes, and safety gear. Regular maintenance ensures that the tools perform efficiently and produce high-quality finishes.
Working with Clients
Interacting with clients is an important part of the job for furniture finishers who work in the retail or restoration business. They must understand the client’s vision and make recommendations based on the type of furniture and the desired finish.
What is the Working Environment for a Furniture Finisher?
The working environment for a furniture finisher varies depending on where they are employed. While some furniture finishers work in large furniture manufacturing plants, others work in small, independent repair shops or as freelancers. Below are some typical working environments:
Furniture Manufacturing Plants
Furniture finishers in manufacturing plants often work in large factory settings where furniture is mass-produced. They may work as part of a team responsible for applying finishes to different furniture pieces along the assembly line. Safety precautions are essential because the environment is typically clean and well-ventilated, but workers may be exposed to chemicals and dust.
Independent Workshops and Repair Shops
Many furniture finishers work in smaller workshops or repair shops, where they may restore and refinish antique or custom furniture. These settings tend to be quieter and more personalized, allowing furniture finishers to spend more time working on each piece and delivering bespoke results to clients.
Freelance and Self-Employed
Some furniture finishers work as independent contractors, offering their services to customers who need refinishing or restoration work. Freelancers often set up their workshops or work out of their homes, and they can choose the projects they want to take on.
Work Conditions
Furniture finishers typically work in well-lit, indoor environments. However, the job can involve long hours of standing, bending, and working with heavy pieces of furniture. Sanding tools, sprays, and varnishes can create dust and fumes, so protective gear such as face masks, goggles, and gloves is essential to ensure a safe working environment.
How Do You Become a Furniture Finisher?
Becoming a furniture finisher requires formal education, hands-on training, and on-the-job experience. Below are the steps you can take to pursue a career as a furniture finisher:
Step 1: Education and Training
While a formal degree is not required to become a furniture finisher, having a background in woodworking or a related field is beneficial. Many aspiring furniture finishers attend vocational schools, community colleges, or technical programs offering specialized woodworking, finishing techniques, and furniture restoration training.
Some programs focus specifically on furniture finishing and provide in-depth training in sanding, staining, and applying finishes. These programs can also teach students wood types, repair techniques, and safe work practices.
Step 2: Apprenticeship or On-the-Job Training
Many furniture finishers begin their careers through apprenticeships or on-the-job training. This hands-on experience allows you to work alongside experienced professionals who can teach you the skills and techniques necessary for the job. During an apprenticeship, you will learn to apply finishes, repair furniture, and use specialized tools and equipment.
Step 3: Certification
While certification is not required for all furniture finishers, it can help improve job prospects and demonstrate proficiency in the field. Some professional organizations, such as the National Association of the Furniture Industry, offer certification programs for furniture finishers. Obtaining certification may open doors to higher-paying positions or specialized work.
Step 4: Gaining Experience
Gaining experience is crucial in this field. As you work on different types of furniture and finishes, you will develop your skills and learn how to solve unique challenges. Over time, you can take on more complex projects, including furniture restoration and antique refinishing.
What is the Salary of a Furniture Finisher?
The salary of a furniture finisher can vary depending on experience, location, and employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for furniture finishers was $34,430 as of May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $24,000 for entry-level positions to over $50,000 for highly experienced professionals.
Salary Range
- Entry-Level Furniture Finisher: $24,000 – $30,000 per year
- Mid-Career Furniture Finisher: $30,000 – $40,000 per year
- Experienced Furniture Finisher: $40,000 – $55,000+ per year
Freelance furniture finishers or those who own their businesses may earn more depending on the volume and quality of their work.
What is the Labor Market for Furniture Finishers?
The labor market for furniture finishers is relatively stable, with moderate growth projected over the next decade. Although the demand for furniture finishers may fluctuate based on the economy and consumer trends, as people continue to invest in quality furniture, the need for refinishing, restoration, and repair services remains steady.
Furniture finishers specializing in restoring antique furniture or offering bespoke services may find more opportunities in niche markets. Additionally, those who are skilled in working with high-end materials or custom designs may command higher pay rates.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Furniture Finisher?
Pros
- Creativity: Furniture finishing allows you to express your creativity through the design and restoration of beautiful, functional pieces of furniture.
- Job Satisfaction: Many furniture finishers take pride in their craftsmanship, and completing a successful project can be deeply satisfying.
- Variety: The work varies from project to project, and you may be tasked with working on different types of furniture and finishes, ensuring that no two days are alike.
- Job Flexibility: If you work as a freelancer or own your own business, you can choose your clients and set your own schedule.
Cons
- Physical Demands: The job can be physically demanding, requiring long hours of standing, lifting, and working with heavy furniture.
- Exposure to Chemicals and Dust: Furniture finishers may be exposed to harmful chemicals, such as varnishes, paint fumes, and wood dust. Proper safety equipment is necessary to mitigate health risks.
- Seasonal Fluctuations: Demand for furniture finishing services may fluctuate depending on the time of year, leading to periods of lower income for freelancers or small business owners.
What Are the Careers Related to Being a Furniture Finisher?
If you’re interested in pursuing related careers, here are some options:
- Woodworker: Woodworkers create furniture and other wood products from raw materials. They use tools such as saws, routers, and sanders to shape and finish wood for construction or design.
- Cabinetmaker: Cabinetmakers specialize in creating cabinets, shelves, and other custom wooden furniture. They may work with furniture finishers to ensure the pieces are properly treated and finished.
- Restoration Specialist: Restoration specialists repair and restore old or damaged furniture, often working with antique pieces to return them to their original condition.
What Types of Jobs Can Furniture Finishers Pursue?
Furniture finishers can work in various roles, from restoration and refinishing in specialized shops to mass production in furniture manufacturing plants. Those who are self-employed or freelance may focus on custom furniture refinishing or restoration services.
What Websites Are Best for Finding Furniture Finisher Jobs?
- Indeed: A popular job search website that lists a variety of furniture finishing and restoration jobs.
- Glassdoor: A platform for job listings and company reviews, helping furniture finishers find potential employers.
- ZipRecruiter: Another popular job search engine that posts job listings in furniture finishing and woodworking.
How Do I Know If I Should Be a Furniture Finisher?
If you’re unsure whether a career as a furniture finisher is the right fit for you, consider taking the Free Career Fit Test™. This comprehensive assessment includes a career test, a career aptitude test, and a personality trait quiz. The Career Fit Test™ Premium Report results will help you understand your strengths, identify the best career fits, and guide you toward a job that aligns with your passions and abilities.
How Can I Learn More About a Career as a Furniture Finisher?
To learn more about becoming a furniture finisher, explore the following resources:
- ONET Furniture Finishers Overview
- National Association of the Furniture Industry (NAFI)
- American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
Conclusion
A career as a furniture finisher can be gratifying for those with an appreciation for craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a passion for working with wood. You can become an expert in this field by developing the necessary skills through training, apprenticeships, and hands-on experience. If you’re still unsure whether furniture finishing is the right career for you, taking a career aptitude test like the Free Career Fit Test™ and conducting informational interviews with professionals in the field can help you make an informed decision. Whether you work for a furniture manufacturer, in a restoration shop, or as a freelancer, a career in furniture finishing offers opportunities for creativity and job satisfaction.