Stripping
Stripping is a fundamental process in furniture restoration where old finishes, paint, or varnish are removed from furniture pieces to prepare them for refinishing. This can be done using chemical strippers, heat guns, or manual methods. When candidates mention stripping in their resumes, they're referring to this essential first step in furniture renovation that requires knowledge of different materials, safety procedures, and techniques to avoid damaging the underlying wood.
Examples in Resumes
Specialized in Stripping antique furniture using both chemical and heat methods
Successfully completed Strip work on over 200 vintage pieces
Trained junior restorers in safe Stripping techniques and chemical handling
Typical job title: "Furniture Strippers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Furniture Strippers
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine the best stripping method for different types of finishes?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should explain how they assess the age and type of finish, consider the wood type, and choose between chemical, heat, or manual methods based on these factors. They should also mention safety considerations and preservation of antique value.
Q: How would you handle a large restoration project with multiple pieces needing stripping?
Expected Answer: Should discuss project management skills, workflow organization, proper ventilation setup, time management, and how to coordinate with team members while maintaining quality standards.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What safety precautions do you take when using chemical strippers?
Expected Answer: Should mention proper ventilation, personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, eye protection), proper disposal methods, and awareness of chemical reaction times.
Q: How do you prevent damage to the wood while stripping?
Expected Answer: Should explain monitoring chemical exposure times, proper scraping techniques, neutralizing chemicals, and recognizing different wood types and their sensitivities.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic tools are needed for furniture stripping?
Expected Answer: Should list essential tools like scrapers, chemical strippers, protective equipment, cleaning materials, and neutralizers, showing basic understanding of the process.
Q: How do you clean up after stripping furniture?
Expected Answer: Should describe proper disposal of chemicals, cleaning the work area, neutralizing stripped surfaces, and preparing the piece for the next restoration step.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic stripping techniques
- Safety equipment use
- Simple tool handling
- Basic finish identification
Mid (2-5 years)
- Multiple stripping methods
- Damage prevention techniques
- Chemical knowledge
- Problem-solving skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced restoration techniques
- Project management
- Team supervision
- Complex problem diagnosis
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of safety procedures
- Lack of experience with different stripping methods
- No understanding of wood types and their properties
- Poor awareness of chemical handling procedures
Related Terms
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