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Furniture Polisher/Finisher Restorer

Do you want to become a Furniture Polisher/Finisher Restorer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Furniture polishers/finishers/restorers work on the protection and preservation of historic and modern furniture. Their work includes:

• preparing the wood using hand or machine smoothing
• mixing colours or stains to the required shade
• polishing by hand or machinery, such as a spray gun.

They often discuss with their customers the best restoration methods to use, and must keep up to date with new techniques and equipment.

They usually work 35 to 40 hours a week, from Monday to Friday. Self-employed polishers/finishers/restorers work varied hours according to the volume and type of work they handle. Overtime may be required to meet deadlines. They work in factories, workshops, or occasionally customers' homes.

Salaries range from around £15,000 for new furniture polishers/finishers/restorers, to £40,000 or more for very experienced, specialist people.

A furniture polisher/finisher/restorer should:

• have good manual skills and normal colour vision
• know simple carpentry techniques
• be patient, methodical and safety-conscious
• have good communication skills
• enjoy concentrating on detailed work, often without supervision
• take pride in completing work of the highest quality.

Jobs are available throughout the UK, although there is strong competition in some areas. Employers include furniture manufacturers, small businesses and specialist organisations. Many people in this profession are self-employed.

There are no set entry requirements, but some employers prefer applicants with GCSEs/S grades. Some people take courses before starting work, including degrees and HNDs in furniture conservation, restoration and craft subjects. It is also possible to start through an Apprenticeship in some areas. There is no upper age limit for entry.

Degree courses usually last three years, HND courses and other certificate or diploma courses between one and two years. Courses include assessment, practical work and sometimes work placements. NVQs/SVQs are available in related subjects including restoration, polishing and finishing. The British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association run courses for people in the trade.

There may be opportunities for promotion to supervisory or managerial roles. Those who are self-employed progress by establishing a strong reputation and obtaining regular work from customers.

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