Furniture Refinishing Jobs

Examining the Piece

• Once a furniture refinisher receives a piece from a client or purchases one to remodel, he must examine it and determine what needs to be done. Types of furniture may include bookshelves, coffee tables, rocking chairs, cabinets, and any other antique or modern pieces. Furniture refinishers examine the piece to look for any problems in the wood, paint or structure that needs to be fixed and offers an estimate to the owner.

Varnish and Paint

• Old antique pieces of furniture often need to be varnished and the old paint removed before the refinishing takes place. Furniture refinishers use sandpaper, steel wool, and other strong chemicals to strip away and remove any old varnish or paint. This allows the piece to return to its original form and makes the refurbishing process more effective, rather then trying to work over the existing paint.

Make Repairs

• After the varnish and paint has been removed, the furniture refinisher can begin making any necessary repairs to the piece. Repairs for pieces of furniture may include applying putty to fix any cracks or holes in the woodwork. Furniture refinishers may also need to replace the upholstery on the furniture and add any other finishing details that need to be completed in order to restore the piece to its original form.

Job Info

• While many furniture refinishers are self-employed, job opportunities are also available in antique and furniture stores, or refinishing companies. Furniture refinishers often work with toxic chemicals, and it’s important for them to wear the proper skin protection and breathing apparatuses. Salary.com reports that as of 2010, the median salary for furniture refinishers is about $42,000 per year.