Furniture Finishers
Furniture finishers are skilled craftspeople who restore damaged furniture and apply beautiful finishes to new pieces. They use tools like sanders, spray guns, and brushes to repair cracks, mix custom paint colors, and apply stains, lacquers, and other protective coatings. This hands-on job combines technical skills with creativity, as finishers must match wood types, recommend styles, and bring both antique and modern furniture back to life. Many finishers work in custom shops, restoration studios, or even start their own businesses, often learning through apprenticeships or vocational programs.
Did you know?
Furniture refinishers must adhere to OSHA regulations regarding chemical exposure, ventilation requirements, and proper use of personal protective equipment when working with strippers, stains, and finishes.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$42,600 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top skill
Active Listening
Things to consider
Business Licensing and Insurance
Independent furniture refinishers need to obtain appropriate business licenses, liability insurance, and may require contractor licenses depending on state regulations and the scope of services offered.
Market Specialization
Success in the American market often requires specializing in specific furniture types (antiques, modern pieces, or custom work) or targeting particular customer segments to differentiate from competitors.
Key responsibilities
Smooth, shape, and touch up surfaces to prepare them for finishing, using sandpaper, pumice stones, steel wool, chisels, sanders, or grinders.
Treat warped or stained surfaces to restore original contours and colors.
Confer with customers to determine furniture colors or finishes.
Select appropriate finishing ingredients such as paint, stain, lacquer, shellac, or varnish, depending on factors such as wood hardness and surface type.
Disassemble items to prepare them for finishing, using hand tools.