Furniture Finisher

Your Fit

Income

$42K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-0.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Furniture Finisher?

Furniture Finishers are skilled artisans who apply stains, sealants, and topcoats to wooden furniture, enhancing both its appearance and durability. They play a vital role in the final stages of furniture manufacturing and restoration.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Furniture Finisher.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Furniture Finisher earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$37K per year	$42K per year	$49K per year	$60K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $6.97K below the national average.

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What does a Furniture Finisher do?

Work environment

Typically, furniture finishers work in manufacturing plants, workshops, or furniture repair shops. The environment can be noisy and may involve exposure to fumes from stains and finishes, necessitating the use of safety equipment like masks and gloves.

Quick task list

Prepares furniture surfaces for finishing.
Applies stains, sealants, and other finishes.
Mixes and matches colors and finishes to specifications.
Uses hand and power tools for sanding and finishing.
Repairs surface defects before finishing.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Antique Furniture Restoration: Specializing in restoring and refinishing antique furniture.
Custom Furniture Finishing: Working with custom-built furniture, applying specialized finishes.
Production Finishing: Working in a manufacturing setting, finishing large quantities of furniture.
Special Effects Finishing: Creating unique finishes, such as distressing or glazing.

Description

Furniture finishers are essential in the furniture industry, bringing out the beauty in wood through various finishing techniques. They must have a keen eye for color and detail, as the finishing process significantly impacts the final product's aesthetic and quality. This role requires a good understanding of different wood types and the appropriate finishes for each.

Furniture finishers not only apply standard finishes but also repair and prepare surfaces, often fixing damages like scratches or dents before applying new finishes. This requires a good understanding of woodwork and restoration techniques. In a typical day, a furniture finisher may find themselves mixing stains, applying sealants, and using an array of tools to achieve the desired finish.

The work can be repetitive but also offers a creative outlet, especially in custom or antique furniture restoration. The industry is evolving, with eco-friendly and innovative materials and techniques increasingly in demand.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The creativity involved in producing aesthetically pleasing finishes.
The satisfaction of restoring and enhancing the beauty of furniture.
Opportunities for artistic expression in custom finishes.
The physical, hands-on nature of the work.

You might make a good Furniture Finisher if you are...

Detail-oriented, with an appreciation for aesthetics and craftsmanship.
Patient and precise, with steady hands and good eye-hand coordination.
Creative, enjoying the process of mixing and applying colors and finishes.
Comfortable working with a variety of tools and materials.
Interested in woodworking and the art of furniture making.

Pros:

Creative and satisfying work.
Opportunities for specialization, particularly in antique restoration.
Steady demand in furniture manufacturing and restoration sectors.

Cons:

Potential health hazards from fumes and dust.
Physically demanding tasks.
May involve repetitive tasks in a manufacturing setting.

How to become a Furniture Finisher

Typical education

Most furniture finishers have a high school diploma or equivalent, with on-the-job training. Some may pursue vocational training or apprenticeships for specialized skills.

High school preparation

Courses:

Woodshop or carpentry classes.
Art and design to develop color theory knowledge.
Chemistry for understanding materials and finishes.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining arts and crafts clubs.
Volunteering in community restoration projects.
Participating in workshops or apprenticeships in local furniture shops.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training in woodworking and furniture finishing.
Apprenticeships under experienced furniture finishers.
Workshops and courses in specific finishing techniques.
On-the-job training in manufacturing or furniture repair settings.

More resources

The Furniture Society - A community dedicated to the art of furniture making.
Woodworking Network - Resources and news for professional woodworkers.
Online Finishing Courses - Tutorials and classes on various finishing techniques.
National Wood Flooring Association - Educational resources related to wood finishing.

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