French Polisher

Also known as:

Furniture Polisher

Introduction

French polishers prepare and treat wood to produce a smooth finish. They mainly work on furniture but may also French polish fixed timber, eg, doors and panelling. They prepare the surfaces and then use stains and finishes to produce the desired effect.

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Work Activities

French polishers prepare and treat wood to give it a smooth finish and bring out the beauty of the natural wood. They work on both new pieces of furniture and old or antique items. Sometimes they work on fixed timber, such as panelling and doors in old houses, business premises and churches.

French polishers prepare an item by stripping off layers of old paint, varnish or lacquer using chemical strippers, wire wool and sandpaper. In some cases individual scraping to get rid of dried in stains and paint flecks followed by a wipe with soap and water is all that is necessary.

They fill in any holes or dents in the wood using wood filler to make sure that the item has a smooth surface. They carry out simple repairs using basic carpentry skills; more complex repairs are sent to a cabinet maker or craft restorer.

Having prepared the wood, they must choose the stain they need to produce the required colour. Mixing stains is an art in itself and some French polishers keep records of the mixes. The stain is applied with a brush or rag.

The French polish is applied using a piece of cloth with wadding inside it, known as a rubber. The polisher covers a small area at a time until the desired effect is achieved.

Fire-retardant finishes compliant with Health and Safety and COSHH legislation may be added and other finishes sprayed on such as varnish, oil, wax and lacquer.

French polishers normally wear gloves, overalls and a face mask when mixing and applying chemicals.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need to be patient and careful, with a good eye for colour. The work processes are methodical and you need to pay attention to detail. Sometimes, especially when working on old furniture, you will use simple carpentry skills to make repairs.

You may need to be able to work alone and as part of a team. Where you deal with clients, you should be able to advise on treatments and explain finishing processes. You should also be able to estimate costs and provide written estimates of the work involved. You need good business skills if you are self-employed.

You will also need to be physically fit as some lifting and bending may be involved.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

French polishers earn in the range of around £220 - £290 a week.

French polishers usually work a basic 39-hour week, Monday to Friday.

Employers throughout the UK are usually small craft businesses employing one or two people. Other employers are furniture manufacturers, woodworking/cabinet-making businesses, craft restorers and antique/furniture restorers.

Some experienced French polishers work independently as self-employed craft workers.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills and abilities gained using your hands can be helpful.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

• 67% of people in occupations such as French polishing are self-employed.
• 9% work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis

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