Refinishing
Refinishing is the process of restoring and renewing the surface of furniture, wood, or other materials to improve their appearance and extend their life. This involves removing old finishes (like paint or varnish), repairing damage, and applying new protective coatings. Think of it like giving furniture a complete makeover - similar to how you might repaint and repair a house. People who do refinishing work are skilled in both the artistic aspects of restoration and the technical knowledge of different materials and finishing techniques.
Examples in Resumes
Successfully refinished over 200 antique furniture pieces for high-end clients
Specialized in refinishing and furniture restoration of mid-century modern pieces
Led a team of 3 craftspeople in refinishing projects for historical preservation
Typical job title: "Furniture Refinishers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Furniture Refinishers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach refinishing a valuable antique piece with significant damage?
Expected Answer: A senior refinisher should discuss assessment steps, documentation, preservation of original elements where possible, selection of period-appropriate materials, and communication with clients about value impact of different restoration approaches.
Q: Tell me about a challenging refinishing project you managed and how you solved unexpected problems.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate project management skills, problem-solving abilities, knowledge of various restoration techniques, and experience with managing client expectations and timeline adjustments.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What different types of wood finishes do you work with and when do you use each?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain various finishes (stains, varnishes, oils, etc.), their advantages and disadvantages, and appropriate applications for different types of furniture and conditions.
Q: How do you determine the appropriate restoration approach for different pieces?
Expected Answer: Should discuss evaluation of furniture age, condition, value, intended use, and client preferences in deciding whether to strip, repair, refinish, or preserve existing finish.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic tools and materials do you use in furniture refinishing?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list and explain common tools like sanders, strippers, brushes, and protective equipment, as well as basic finishing materials and their uses.
Q: Describe the basic steps in refinishing a piece of furniture.
Expected Answer: Should outline the fundamental process: cleaning, stripping old finish, sanding, repair work, staining if needed, and applying new finish, with basic safety considerations.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic surface preparation and cleaning
- Simple repairs and touch-ups
- Application of common finishes
- Understanding of basic wood types
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex repair techniques
- Color matching and mixing
- Multiple finishing methods
- Detail work and decorative elements
Senior (5+ years)
- Antique restoration expertise
- Project estimation and management
- Advanced repair techniques
- Training and supervising others
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of different wood types and appropriate treatments
- Lack of understanding about historical preservation
- Poor attention to detail in sample work
- No experience with safety procedures and proper ventilation
Related Terms
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