Furniture Refinisher and Painter Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of home and office decor, the focus on furniture refinishers and painters has never been more pronounced.

As interior design trends constantly evolve, the demand for skilled artisans who can rejuvenate, customize, and protect our furniture pieces grows exponentially.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a furniture refinisher and painter?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the intricacies of this profession,
• A hiring manager aiming to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the craft of furniture refinishing and painting,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable furniture refinisher and painter job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Furniture Refinisher and Painter Duties and Responsibilities

Furniture Refinishers and Painters use their skilled craftsmanship and artistic abilities to restore and enhance the beauty of furniture.

They are well-versed in a variety of techniques, including painting, staining, and clear-coating.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the condition of the furniture and planning the appropriate restoration process
• Stripping old finish from the furniture using sandpaper or solvents
• Repairing any damage to the furniture such as broken parts, cracks or scratches
• Applying new finish such as paint, stain, or varnish to the furniture
• Decorating the furniture with artistic details like stencils or hand painting if required
• Ensuring that the finish is even and smooth by polishing and waxing the furniture
• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment by organizing tools and supplies and adhering to safety procedures
• Communicating with clients to understand their preferences and provide updates on the restoration process

 

Furniture Refinisher and Painter Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Furniture Refinisher and Painter to restore and update a variety of furniture items.

Responsibilities include assessing furniture for repair needs, preparing surfaces, applying stain or paint, and finishing pieces to improve durability and appearance.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of various furniture styles and types, color theory, and finishing techniques.

Ultimately, the role of the Furniture Refinisher and Painter is to restore and refinish furniture items to a high standard, enhancing the value and aesthetic appeal of each piece.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and assess furniture for repair and refinishing needs
• Prepare surfaces for refinishing by sanding or stripping
• Repair damaged furniture including scratches, dents, and broken parts
• Apply stain, paint, lacquer, or other finishes to furniture
• Perform color matching and mixing
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Assist customers with decisions regarding refinishing and color selection
• Stay current on trends in furniture design and finishing techniques

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Furniture Refinisher and Painter or similar role
• Knowledge of different types of wood and furniture styles
• Experience with power tools and hand tools
• Ability to lift heavy furniture and equipment
• Strong attention to detail
• Experience with color matching and mixing
• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training in furniture refinishing is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development and learning new techniques

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Furniture Refinisher and Painter
• Work Environment: Workshop, with some on-site work for larger pieces. Must be comfortable wearing protective gear and working with chemicals.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Workshop Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a brief portfolio of previous work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Furniture Refinisher and Painter Do?

Furniture Refinishers and Painters are skilled professionals who specialize in restoring and beautifying old or damaged furniture.

Their primary task is to repair any damage to the furniture, which may include fixing broken parts, filling in cracks and dents, or replacing missing components.

This requires a high level of attention to detail and an understanding of various woodworking techniques.

Furniture Refinishers and Painters also sand down the furniture to remove old paint or varnish.

This is a crucial step in preparing the furniture for refinishing as it allows the new paint or finish to adhere properly.

They also need to be knowledgeable about the types of sandpaper to use for different furniture materials.

Once the furniture is prepared, they apply paint, stain, lacquer, or varnish, often using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment.

They must carefully choose the right kind of finish and color based on the type of furniture, its intended use, and the client’s preferences.

Furniture Refinishers and Painters are also responsible for preserving the integrity and historical value of antique furniture.

This involves using techniques that match the original craftsmanship and materials used in the furniture.

Lastly, they need to liaise with clients to understand their needs and preferences, provide advice on care and maintenance, and ensure that the final product meets the client’s expectations.

 

Furniture Refinisher and Painter Qualifications and Skills

Furniture Refinishers and Painters need a unique set of technical skills and artistic abilities to repair and restore furniture, including:

• Strong technical knowledge and understanding of the materials and techniques used in furniture refinishing and painting.
• Attention to detail and precision in order to repair, restore and refinish various types of furniture.
• Artistic ability to match colors, select appropriate finishes and create custom designs according to customer specifications.
• Problem-solving skills to fix damage, make repairs, and correctly identify and rectify structural issues with pieces of furniture.
• Manual dexterity and physical strength to handle tools, sand, paint and move heavy pieces of furniture.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact with clients, understanding their needs and expectations and providing advice on care and maintenance.
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized workspace to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Customer service skills for dealing with clients, providing quotes, scheduling appointments and follow-ups.

 

Furniture Refinisher and Painter Experience Requirements

Entry-level furniture refinishers and painters are usually required to have at least 1-2 years of experience, which can often be gained through an internship or part-time work in a related field.

These individuals may also have gained practical experience by working in roles such as a carpenter’s assistant, a woodworker, or a craftsperson in the furniture industry.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a solid background in furniture refinishing and painting techniques.

They will have mastered the use of various tools and materials and will have a strong understanding of different wood types, finishes, and paints.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a high level of expertise in restoration work, including the ability to accurately replicate historical finishes.

They may also have experience in supervisory or management roles, and be prepared to oversee a team of refinishers and painters.

Some high-end or specialized furniture restoration shops may require their hires to have advanced training or certification in furniture restoration or a related field.

Moreover, experience in customer service and understanding client requirements can also be crucial in this role.

 

Furniture Refinisher and Painter Education and Training Requirements

Furniture Refinishers and Painters typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent.

However, some individuals may choose to attend a vocational school or community college where they can take specialized courses in furniture refinishing, restoration, or painting.

These programs often include courses in woodworking, furniture design, finishing techniques, color theory, and safety procedures.

Some courses even provide students with the opportunity to work on actual furniture restoration projects, allowing them to gain hands-on experience.

Furniture Refinishers and Painters can also undergo apprenticeships to learn the trade from experienced professionals.

The duration of these apprenticeships can vary, but they generally last for a couple of years.

While not always necessary, professional certification can be obtained from various organizations.

These certifications can help demonstrate a Furniture Refinisher’s and Painter’s skills and commitment to the profession.

Continuous learning is essential in this field to stay updated with the latest techniques and materials in furniture refinishing and painting.

 

Furniture Refinisher and Painter Salary Expectations

A Furniture Refinisher and Painter earns an average salary of $31,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary significantly based on the individual’s experience, the size and location of the employer, and the complexity of the projects undertaken.

 

Furniture Refinisher and Painter Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Furniture Refinisher and Painter need?

The role of a Furniture Refinisher and Painter requires both technical and creative skills.

They should have extensive knowledge of different types of wood, finishes, stains, and paints.

A keen eye for detail and precision is vital in this role, as well as the ability to use a variety of hand and power tools.

Creativity and a good sense of aesthetics are also beneficial to create attractive finishes and designs.

 

Do Furniture Refinishers and Painters require any specific qualifications?

While a specific degree is not necessary, Furniture Refinishers and Painters often learn their trade through apprenticeships or vocational training programs.

These programs can provide hands-on training in woodworking, staining, finishing techniques, color theory, and safety procedures.

Some states may require a license or certification, especially when working with certain types of chemicals or machinery.

 

What should you look for in a Furniture Refinisher and Painter resume?

When reviewing resumes, look for experience in furniture restoration or woodworking.

A good Furniture Refinisher and Painter should have a solid understanding of different types of wood, paint, and finishes.

They should also have a demonstrated ability to use hand and power tools.

Training or certification in related fields can also be an asset.

 

What qualities make a good Furniture Refinisher and Painter?

A good Furniture Refinisher and Painter should have a strong attention to detail, as this job requires precision and a keen eye for aesthetics.

They should also be patient and able to work on long-term projects.

Creativity is another valuable quality, as they often need to match existing finishes or create custom designs.

A good Furniture Refinisher and Painter also respects safety protocols and maintains a clean, organized workspace.

 

Is it hard to find skilled Furniture Refinishers and Painters?

Finding skilled Furniture Refinishers and Painters can be challenging, as it requires a specific set of skills and experience.

It’s also a job that requires patience and a meticulous nature, which not all candidates may possess.

However, offering competitive pay and showcasing the opportunity to work on unique, interesting projects can help attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the world of a Furniture Refinisher and Painter.

Surprised?

It’s not just about applying a fresh coat of paint.

It’s about breathing new life into old pieces, one stroke at a time.

With our comprehensive Furniture Refinisher and Painter job description template and real-life examples, you’re well-equipped to enter this creative field.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulously detailed job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every stroke of paint tells a part of the story.

Let’s refurbish and restore, together.

How to Become a Furniture Refinisher and Painter (Complete Guide)

Unusual Employment: The Weirdest Jobs Around

Making Money Made Easy: Jobs You Won’t Believe Pay So Well!

AI’s Limit: The Careers That Stay Human

Joyful Work Journeys: Careers That Are a Blast Every Day