French Polisher

Typical Salary

£17,000 To £30,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How To Become a French Polisher

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
training with a professional body

College / University

Doing a higher national diploma or degree in furniture design, decorative arts or furniture restoration can be useful if you want to start your own business.

between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

You can learn polishing and finishing skills on some furniture making and restoration courses like:

Level 2 Furniture Finishing Methods
Level 3 Diploma in Furniture Restoration
City and Guilds Level 3 Furniture Design and Making

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships that may give you some of the skills needed for this role include:

Level 2 Furniture manufacturer
Level 2 Wood product manufacturing operative
Level 3 Bespoke furniture maker
Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

You could do a specialist training course in french polishing with a professional body like the The British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
persistence and determination
the ability to work on your own
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
the ability to work well with your hands
physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
concentration skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

In this role you could:

decide on the type and colour of wood stain to use
mix and apply the stain
apply french polish and other finishes, like lacquer, paint, varnish, oil or wax
repair furniture

If you are self employed as a french polisher you may also need to:

market your business

deal with customers

order materials

do paperwork and manage your finances

Working Environment

You could work in a workshop or in a factory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Guild of Master Craftsmen for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a french polisher from The Guild of Master Craftsmen.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.