French Polisher
The Work
French polishers use traditional hand skills to prepare and treat wooden furniture before applying the finish. They work on new furniture, restore old pieces or work on fitted items such as staircases, panels and doors, deciding on the type and colour of any stain to be used. This is mixed and applied before finishing with the French polish (shellac dissolved in methylated spirits). Several coats of French polish are applied until the desired finish is achieved. This building up of layers of polish is a slow, repetitive process.
French polishers sometimes apply other finishes such as lacquer, paint, varnish, oil and wax. These finishes can be applied more quickly, usually by spraying.
In restoration work, repairs may be required. French polishers might carry out any simple repairs themselves, but more complex ones are dealt with by a cabinet maker or restorer.
Mass produced furniture is not normally French polished, although French polishers may work in factories advising on how to achieve surface finishes using automated processes.
Hours and Conditions
The hours of work depends 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. Workshops are usually light but may be cramped. Safety precautions have to be taken because of the presence of dust from sanding and fumes from solvents, so they wear overalls, masks and gloves when necessary. A lot of time is spent standing at a workbench or bending over their work, and there can be lifting of furniture and materials which are heavy.
Occasional travel to customers to collect and / or deliver furniture is common. In some cases work is conducted in clients' homes.
Skills and Interests
To be a French polisher you should:
Training
As French polishing is just one aspect of furniture construction and restoration, it may only be part of the qualifications listed below.
NVQs Levels 1, 2 and 3 are available in Furniture Manufacture. These include specialist units in Polishing and Finishing.
SVQs are available in Producing Hand Crafted Furniture at Levels 1, 2 and 3, and Assembled Furniture Production at Level 2.
BTEC offers National and Higher National awards in Design (Furniture Making and Restoration). SQA HNCs / HNDs are available in Furniture Restoration and Furniture Design and Construction. The entry requirements for higher national awards are normally four GCSEs (A-C) / S grades (1-3) with one A level / two H grades or equivalent.
City and Guilds offers several courses around furniture craft subjects. There are no formal entry requirements for these, but some colleges may ask for GCSEs / S grades in English, maths and a science subject.
You should check with colleges and universities for exact entry requirements.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(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. Some move into teaching and training.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
Earnings for self-employed French polishers varies considerably.
An experienced French polisher will earn from about £11,000 up to about £16,000+ a year.
Income may be increased with overtime payments and bonuses.
Further Information
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The Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors National Training Organisation
(FFINTO)
Tel: 0115 922 1200
www.ffinto.org
The Guild of Master Craftsmen
Tel: 01273 478449
www.thegmcgroup.com
