BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasFurniture Finishers

O*NET · 51-7021.00

Furniture Finishers

Shape, finish, and refinish damaged, worn, or used furniture or new high-grade furniture to specified color or finish.

Also called Antique Finisher · Antique Refinisher · Antiquer · Cabinet Finisher · Caner · Chair Finisher · Finish Patcher · Finish Repair Worker
43 more

Finish Sprayer · Finisher · Frame Repairer · Furniture Assembly Tech · Furniture Assembly Technician (Furniture Assembly Tech) · Furniture Builder · Furniture Finisher · Furniture Installer · Furniture Maker · Furniture Polisher · Furniture Refinisher · Furniture Repair Technician · Furniture Repairer · Furniture Restorer · Furniture Sander · Furniture Service Tech · Furniture Service Technician (Furniture Service Tech) · Furniture Technician · Grainer · Hand Sander · Hardwood Finisher · Lacquer Sprayer · Machine Grainer · Office Furniture Installer · Piano Refinisher · Recoater · Refinisher · Repair Technician · Sander · Sealer Sander · Sprayer · Stain Sprayer · Stain Wiper · Television Cabinet Finisher · Utility Spray Operator · Varnish Finisher · Wood Cabinet Finisher · Wood Coater · Wood Filler · Wood Finisher · Wood Grainer · Wood Polisher · Wooden Furniture Polisher

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RAC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Upholsterers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RACRealistic · Artistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • A Artistic2.93
  • C Conventional2.87
  • I Investigative1.45
  • S Social1.25
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma36%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent61%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate3%
Related work experience
None (24%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (23%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Listeningbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Monitoringbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Operations Monitoring3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Time Management3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Speakingbasic3.02.4Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Quality Control Analysis2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Complex Problem Solving2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Coordination2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Service Orientation2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Active Learningbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Instructing2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Operation and Control2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Troubleshooting2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Persuasion2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Equipment Selection2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Writingbasic2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Repairing2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Negotiation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Equipment Maintenance2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Operations Analysis2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Systems Analysis2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Material Resources2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design1.50.8
  • Programming1.1—
  • Sciencebasic1.1—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

13 core · 9 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Brush, spray, or hand-rub finishing ingredients, such as paint, oil, stain, or wax, onto and into wood grain and apply lacquer or other sealers.4.3
  2. Fill and smooth cracks or depressions, remove marks and imperfections, and repair broken parts, using plastic or wood putty, glue, nails, or screws.4.3
  3. Smooth, shape, and touch up surfaces to prepare them for finishing, using sandpaper, pumice stones, steel wool, chisels, sanders, or grinders.4.2
  4. Remove old finishes and damaged or deteriorated parts, using hand tools, stripping tools, sandpaper, steel wool, abrasives, solvents, or dip baths.4.2
  5. Remove accessories prior to finishing, and mask areas that should not be exposed to finishing processes or substances.4.2
  6. Select appropriate finishing ingredients such as paint, stain, lacquer, shellac, or varnish, depending on factors such as wood hardness and surface type.4.1
  7. Treat warped or stained surfaces to restore original contours and colors.4.1
  8. Mix finish ingredients to obtain desired colors or shades.4.0
  9. Remove excess solvent, using cloths soaked in paint thinner.4.0
  10. Distress surfaces with woodworking tools or abrasives before staining to create an antique appearance, or rub surfaces to bring out highlights and shadings.3.9
  11. Examine furniture to determine the extent of damage or deterioration, and to decide on the best method for repair or restoration.3.9
  12. Disassemble items to prepare them for finishing, using hand tools.3.9
Show the other 10
  1. Stencil, gild, emboss, mark, or paint designs or borders to reproduce the original appearance of restored pieces, or to decorate new pieces.3.9
  2. Confer with customers to determine furniture colors or finishes.4.3
  3. Recommend woods, colors, finishes, and furniture styles, using knowledge of wood products, fashions, and styles.4.1
  4. Paint metal surfaces electrostatically, or by using a spray gun or other painting equipment.4.0
  5. Follow blueprints to produce specific designs.4.0
  6. Wash surfaces to prepare them for finish application.4.0
  7. Replace or refurbish upholstery of items, using tacks, adhesives, softeners, solvents, stains, or polish.3.8
  8. Design, create, and decorate entire pieces or specific parts of furniture, such as draws for cabinets.3.8
  9. Spread graining ink over metal portions of furniture to simulate wood-grain finish.3.8
  10. Brush bleaching agents on wood surfaces to restore natural color.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing3.32.9
  • Mechanical3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Design2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Education and Training2.82.8
  • English Language2.82.6
  • Customer and Personal Service2.72.6
  • Mathematics2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Administration and Management2.41.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
Show all 33
  • Building and Construction2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Public Safety and Security2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Chemistry2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Transportation2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Law and Government2.01.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Engineering and Technology1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Administrative1.80.5Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Foreign Language1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Communications and Media1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Computers and Electronics1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Food Production1.6—
  • Physics1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Psychology1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and Accounting1.5—
  • Geography1.5—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.4—
  • Telecommunications1.4—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.4—
  • Biology1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision4.04.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Manual Dexterity3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Control Precision3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Visualization3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Selective Attention3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Static Strength3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
Show all 52
  • Trunk Strength3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Dynamic Strength3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Inductive Reasoning3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Multilimb Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Deductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Information Ordering3.03.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speech Recognition3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Extent Flexibility2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Originality2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speech Clarity2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Stamina2.92.8
  • Auditory Attention2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Gross Body Coordination2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Depth Perception2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Fluency of Ideas2.52.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Rate Control2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Speed of Closure2.52.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Reaction Time2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Response Orientation2.31.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Written Expression2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Time Sharing2.12.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Explosive Strength1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Glare Sensitivity1.60.9
  • Sound Localization1.50.5
  • Night Vision1.40.4
  • Peripheral Vision1.40.8
  • Spatial Orientation1.40.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.13.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.85.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.74.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Thinking Creatively3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.22.9
  • Processing Information3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Training and Teaching Others3.22.9
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.02.7
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.92.6
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.92.8
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Developing and Building Teams2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.82.1Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.82.9
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.82.7
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.72.6
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Working with Computers2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.41.8Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.6—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.9
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.8
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.7
  • Spend Time Standing4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.2
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions4.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams3.9
  • Freedom to Make Decisions3.8
  • Time Pressure3.8
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers3.8

Technology

5 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (2)

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Office software
Other tools (3)
  • DuPont ColorNet
  • DuPont Spies Hecker Wizard
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Upholsterers
  2. Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
  3. Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
  4. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  5. Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
  6. Floor Sanders and Finishers
  7. Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  8. Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
  9. Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
  10. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.