National
| Median wages (2008) |
$12.93 hourly, $26,890 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
31,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
6,000 additional employees |
51-7021.00 - Furniture Finishers
Shape, finish, and refinish damaged, worn, or used furniture or new high-grade furniture to specified color or finish.
Sample of reported job titles:
Furniture Finisher, Sprayer, Lacquer Sprayer, Stain Wiper, Finish Repair Worker, Sander, Furniture Repairer, Hand Sander, Sealer Sander, Utility Spray Operator
Tasks
- Mix finish ingredients to obtain desired colors or shades.
- Brush, spray, or hand-rub finishing ingredients, such as paint, oil, stain, or wax, onto and into wood grain; then apply lacquer or other sealers.
- Smooth, shape, and touch-up surfaces to prepare them for finishing, using sandpaper, pumice stones, steel wool, chisels, sanders, or grinders.
- Select appropriate finishing ingredients such as paint, stain, lacquer, shellac, or varnish, depending on factors such as wood hardness and surface type.
- Fill and smooth cracks or depressions, remove marks and imperfections, and repair broken parts, using plastic or wood putty, glue, nails, and/or screws.
- Distress surfaces with woodworking tools or abrasives before staining to create an antique appearance, or rub surfaces to bring out highlights and shadings.
- Examine furniture to determine the extent of damage or deterioration, and to decide on the best method for repair or restoration.
- Paint metal surfaces electrostatically, or by using a spray gun or other painting equipment.
- Recommend woods, colors, finishes, and furniture styles, using knowledge of wood products, fashions, and styles.
- Remove old finishes and damaged or deteriorated parts, using hand tools, stripping tools, sandpaper, steel wool, abrasives, solvents, and/or dip baths.
