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Description
Aspects of Work
Work Activities
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French polishers prepare and treat wood to produce a smooth finish. They mainly work on furniture but may also french polish fixed timber, e.g, doors and panelling. They prepare the surfaces and then use stains and finishes to produce the desired effect.
The following table lists the Central Aspects for this career:
| Central Aspects |
|---|
| Learning new practical skills |
| Working with wood |
The following table lists the Secondary Aspects for this career:
| Secondary Aspects |
|---|
| Repairing things |
The following table lists the Other Aspects for this career:
| Other Aspects |
|---|
| Providing a service to members of the public |
| Understanding the scientific uses and properties of materials |
| Getting your hands messy or dirty |
French polishers prepare and treat wood to give it a smooth finish and bring out the beauty of the natural wood. They work on both new pieces of furniture and old or antique items. Sometimes they work on fixed timber, such as panelling and doors in old houses, business premises and churches.
French polishers prepare an item by stripping off layers of old paint, varnish or lacquer using chemical strippers, wire wool and sandpaper. They fill in any holes or dents in the wood using wood filler to make sure that the item has a smooth surface. They carry out simple repairs using basic carpentry skills; more complex repairs are sent to a cabinet maker or craft restorer.
Having prepared the wood, they must choose the stain they need to produce the required colour. Mixing stains is an art in itself and some french polishers keep records of the mixes. The stain is applied with a brush or rag.
The french polish is applied using a piece of cloth with wadding inside it, known as a rubber. The polisher covers a small area at a time until the desired effect is achieved. They sometimes apply other finishes too, such as lacquer, which is often applied by spraying, plus varnish, oil and wax.
French polishers normally wear gloves, overalls and a facemask when mixing and applying chemicals. Mass produced furniture is not normally French polished. However French polishers may work in factories advising on how to achieve surface finishes using automated processes.
You will need to be patient and careful, with a good eye for colour. The work processes are methodical and you need to pay attention to detail. Sometimes, especially when working on old furniture, you will use simple carpentry skills to make repairs. You need to have normal colour vision.
You may need to be able to work alone and as part of a team. Where you deal with clients, you should be able to advise on treatments and explain finishing processes. You should also be able to estimate costs and provide written estimates of the work involved. Good numeracy skills would be beneficial.
You will also need to be physically fit as some lifting and bending may be involved.
Opportunities exist with furniture manufacturing companies or small firms. Restoration in antique and heritage fields is an option. Self employment or progression to management is also a pathway. Trainees start at minimum wage (see www.citizensinformation.ie). Earnings vary widely depending on employer and experience. EUR26k per year would be a usual salary but highly skilled established workers can earn more than this.
French polishers normally train on-the-job and learn their craft from experienced craftspeople while attending college. Degree and higher Diploma courses are offered in various institutions countrywide.
Other Certificate and Diploma courses are offered in subjects such as furniture restoration and furniture crafts. These may be studied part-time or full-time. For those with relevant experience in woodworking, shortened courses may be offered. In some areas private fee-paying courses are available.
For Course/CAO information please check www.qualifax.ie
You do not need formal qualifications to enter this work, however, employers and colleges may require the Leaving Certificate with English, Maths, Science and practical subjects.
Please see http://www.cao.ie/courses.php for information on course qualifications.
Application for admission to undergraduate courses must be made in accordance with the regulations and procedures and timetable described in the CAO Handbook.
The Handbook is confined to giving information on how to apply for admission to the relevant institutions. Applicants should not attempt to complete the application form without first referring to the information literature on courses, which is available from the institutions to which application is to be made.
Candidates are recommended to check the prospectuses from the individual institutions for course details and specific entry requirements.
There is no formal upper age limit for entry to this occupation. Colleges normally welcome applications from mature candidates.
Contact your local FÁS office for Career Guidance, planning and support that will help you make informed decisions about the best career direction for you
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