Furniture polisher

Furniture polishers prepare and treat wood to produce a smooth finish. They mainly work on furniture but may also polish fixed timber such as doors and panelling. They prepare the surfaces and then use stains and finishes to produce the desired effect.

Also known as:

• French polisher

Work activities

Furniture polishers prepare and treat wood to give it a smooth finish and bring out the natural beauty of the wood. They work on both new pieces of furniture and old or antique items. Some polishers work with wooden musical instrument.

Furniture polishers prepare an item by removing accessories like knobs and hinges, before stripping off layers of old paint, varnish or lacquer using chemical strippers, wire wool and sandpaper. They fill in any holes or dents in the wood using wood filler to make sure that the item has a smooth surface. They carry out simple repairs using basic carpentry skills; more complex repairs are sent to a cabinet maker or craft restorer. Having prepared the wood, they must choose the stain they need to produce the required colour. Mixing stains is an art in itself and some furniture polishers keep records of the mixes in order to create exact matches for another time. Furniture polishers normally wear gloves, overalls and a facemask when mixing and applying chemicals. They also make sure the environment is well ventilated. They are usually responsible for the maintenance of their polishing equipment.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you will need:

• To be a patient and careful worker.
• A good eye for colour.
• Simple carpentry skills to do repairs.
• Number skills for measuring and to estimate costs.
• To be physically fit, as some lifting and bending may be involved.

Working conditions can often be dusty and not always suitable for those with chest complaints, certain skin conditions or asthma.

The following future skills shortages have been identified within the industry:

• Job related technical skills, including cabinet making, polishing, upholstery, and wood carving/machining.
• Management and leadership skills.
• Teamworking skills.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Furniture polishers earn in the range of £17,000 - £30,000.

Furniture polishers usually work a 42-44-hour week, Monday to Friday.

Demand for furniture polishers is falling, as many processes are automated.

Employers are usually small craft businesses employing one or two people. Other employers are furniture manufacturers, woodworking/cabinet-making businesses, craft restorers and antique/furniture restorers. Opportunities for furniture polishers occur in workshops and factories in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced furniture polishers to work independently as self-employed craftworkers.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

An apprenticeship is a great way to enter this career path. Relevant programmes include:

• Bespoke furniture maker (level 2 / intermediate)
• Furniture manufacturer (level 2 / intermediate)
• Wood product manufacturing operative (level 2 / intermediate)
• Carpentry and joinery apprentice (level 3 / advanced)
• Craft carpentry and joinery apprentice (level 3 / advanced)

Training is usually on-the-job.

It is very common for furniture polishers to become self-employed. For people working for a company, progress will usually be towards supervisory positions.

Qualifications

You don’t always need qualifications to get into this job. Practical ability is often considered more important. However, GCSEs or equivalent will be useful.

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills gained using your hands can be helpful.

Related careers

• Furniture maker
• Upholsterer
• Wood machinist