French Polisher
What is the work like?
French polishers use traditional hand skills to prepare and treat wood to give it a smooth finish and improve its appearance. They may work on new furniture, restore old pieces of furniture or work on fitted items such as staircases, panels and doors.
As a French polisher your work would involve:
- deciding on the type and colour of any stain to be used
- mixing and applying the stain
- finishing with the French polish (shellac dissolved in methylated spirits)
- applying several coats of French polish until the desired finish is achieved.
- applying other finishes such as lacquer, paint, varnish, oil and wax, usually by spraying.
You may also do simple repairs, although a cabinet maker or restorer would deal with more complex work.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any set qualifications to work as a French polisher, although some employers may expect you to have GCSEs (A-E) or similar qualifications.
You can learn polishing and finishing skills as part of some furniture construction and restoration courses, including City & Guilds Certificate in Furniture Production at levels 1, 2 and 3.
You can also do higher education courses which include practical skills. People who do these often become self-employed. Courses include:
- BTEC HND in subjects such as Furniture Design, Furniture Restoration or Furniture Studies
- degrees (including foundation degrees) in subjects such as furniture design.
Entry requirements for courses can vary. Check with colleges or universities for exact requirements.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a French polisher you could complete NVQ Level 2 in Furniture Production and NVQ Level 3 in Making and Repairing Handcrafted Furniture and Furnishings. Both of these include optional units in polishing and finishing.
Joining a professional body such as the Guild of Master Craftsmen will be useful if you are self-employed, as it will help you to establish and keep up a professional reputation.
Where can I go for more information?
166 High StreetLewes
East Sussex
BN7 1XU
Tel: 01273 478449
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
French polishers can earn from £13,000 to around £17,000 a year.
Income may be increased with overtime payments and bonuses.
Earnings for self-employed French polishers vary considerably depending on the amount of work they have.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
If you are employed in a factory you will usually work 39 hours a week, and may do overtime and shift work. As a self-employed French polisher you will arrange your own working times, sometimes including long hours and weekends to meet deadlines.
You would be based in a factory or workshop, working either alone or in a team. You could have to travel occasionally, to collect and/or deliver furniture or to carry out work on site.
Your work would involve exposure to fumes and dust, so you will need to wear overalls, a mask and gloves. You could have to do some lifting of heavy furniture and materials.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a methodical and patient approach for carrying out slow, repetitive processes
- simple carpentry and other practical skills
- normal colour vision
- customer service skills
- the ability to deal with paperwork, especially if self-employed
- the ability to calculate quantities and estimate costs.
What opportunities are there?
You could be self-employed or work for, or in association with, a furniture restorer or antique dealer.
You may also find employment with large furniture manufacturers. With experience this could lead to progression to a supervisory or management position.
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