1. Home: Explore careers
  2. French polisher

French polisher

Alternative titles for this job include

French polishers use traditional skills to treat wood and restore furniture and items like staircases, doors and musical instruments.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

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

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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

College

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

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 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

More Information

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Other Routes

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

More 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.

What it takes

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

What you'll do

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 and progression

    With experience, you could progress to supervisor or manager.

    You could start your own business.

    Current opportunities

    Apprenticeships In England

    Apprentice Upholsterer Service Technician

    • Wage: £156.00 Weekly
    • Location:

    Apprentice Upholstery Specialist

    • Wage: £9,227.40 Annually
    • Location:
    Find apprenticeships near you

    Courses In England

    Diploma Level 2 Furniture Making

    • Provider: MOULTON COLLEGE
    • Start date: 06 September 2021
    • Location: Northampton

    C&G 5780-20 L2 Dip Furniture Making

    • Provider: BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
    • Start date: 08 September 2021
    • Location: Bridgwater
    Find courses near you

    Jobs In the United Kingdom

    The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

    Search further careers

    Related careers

    Skills assessment

    Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

    Speak to an adviser

    Call 0800 100 900 or use webchat

    • 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday
    • 10am - 5pm Saturday

    Is this page useful?

    Yes No

    Thank you for your feedback.

    Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.