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french polisher
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
- work on fitted items such as staircases, panels and doors
- work in factories advising on how to achieve surface finishes using automated processes.
The work involves:
- 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.
- sometimes applying other finishes such as lacquer, paint, varnish, oil and wax, which can be applied more quickly, usually by spraying
- In restoration work, carrying out simple repairs (more complex ones are dealt with by a cabinet maker or restorer).
Hours and Environment
The hours of work depend on the workplace. Factory work is usually 39 hours a week, and may include overtime and shift work. Self-employed French polishers determine their own hours and sometimes work long hours and weekends to meet deadlines.
French polishers work in factories or workshops in teams or alone. They wear overalls, masks and gloves when necessary to protect from fumes and dust. There can be lifting of heavy furniture and materials.
Occasional travel may be necessary to collect and/or deliver furniture or to carry out work on site.
Skills and Interests
To be a French polisher you should:
- be methodical and have patience for carrying out slow, repetitive processes
- have simple carpentry and other practical skills
- have normal colour vision and a good eye for colour
- be generally fit and healthy
- be able to deal with customers and paperwork, especially if self-employed
- have numeracy skills for calculating quantities and estimating costs.
Entry
There are no formal entry requirements to work as a French polisher. GCSEs (A-E)/S grades (1-5) can be useful and may be required by some employers. Young people aged 16 to 24 may be able to enter through an apprenticeship and work towards relevant NVQs. See the Training section for more details.
Polishing and finishing skills form part of some furniture construction and restoration courses including City and Guilds Certificate in Manufacturing Furniture at levels 1, 2 and 3.
There are also higher level courses which include practical skills. People who do these often become self-employed. Courses include:
- BTEC Higher National Diploma in subjects such as Furniture Design, Furniture Restoration, Furniture Studies or Furniture Design and Make. These usually last for two years. Students usually need at least one A level/two H grades and four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications such as an AVCE/GSVQ Level 3
- Degrees (including foundation degrees) in subjects such as furniture design - courses usually last three years, or two years for a foundation degree. Candidates usually need an Art and Design Foundation course; a relevant BTEC/SQA national diploma/certificate; three H grades and two S grades (1-3), or an AVCE/GSVQ Level 3.
Training
As French polishing is just one aspect of furniture construction and restoration, it will only be part of the qualifications listed below.
NVQ Level 2 in Making and Installing Furniture and NVQ Level 3 in Making and Repairing Handcrafted Furniture and Furnishings include optional units in polishing and finishing.
Membership of professional bodies such as the Guild of Master Craftsmen is useful if you are self-employed craftspeople and want to establish and maintain a professional reputation. Please see Further Information for contact details.
Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland
Opportunities
French polishers are often self-employed or work for, or in association with, furniture restorers or antique dealers. Large furniture manufacturers may employ French polishers, where progression to supervisory and management posts is possible.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
An experienced French polisher may earn from about £11,000 up to over £17,000 a year.
Income may be increased with overtime payments and bonuses.
Earnings for self-employed French polishers vary considerably.
Further information
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1XU
Tel: 01273 478449
Beeston
Nottingham
NG9 2NG
Tel: 0115 9221200
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
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