On antique or worn-out pieces of furniture, a furniture restorer performs delicate repairs, touch-up refinishing work, and complete overhauls. A restorer may spend anywhere from a few hours to several months working on a single piece, depending on the item and the client’s wishes. The majority of professionals are skilled woodworkers and upholsterers who can refinish a wide range of items. Others specialize in a particular field, such as metalwork or antiques from a specific era. A furniture restorer can work for a specialty store, retailer, or museum or run his or her own business.
When a client brings in a piece of furniture, the restorer usually inspects it quickly, asks about the work he or she wants done, and gives a price estimate. Some people simply want their old couches or tables to look brand new again, while others hope to recreate the elegance of fine antiques through meticulous refinishing. Before accepting a job, the furniture restorer can explain what he or she will need to do and ensure that the client is satisfied.
Starting a restoration project on a worn-out wooden item, such as a living room chair, usually entails removing paint or varnish and sanding away impurities. Large cracks can be filled with wood filler, and broken legs may need to be glued or replaced. From mechanical wood lathes and sanders to hand-held saws and screwdrivers, a restorer may use a variety of tools. Once the reshaping is complete, the restorer can repaint or varnish the item and, if necessary, replace the upholstery.
To ensure that the piece retains as many of its original qualities as possible, antique restoration usually necessitates a different approach. Hand-polishing scratched metal pieces or carving away wood impurities could be part of the job. Original designs and patterns may need to be re-etched into wood, or painted images may need to be touched up a skilled restorer. Antique dealers and conservators at history museums may be available to professionals with several years of experience in the field.
In general, no formal education is required to work as a furniture restorer. Many professionals have a high school diploma and have received on-the-job training to improve their skills. Some workers enroll in woodworking programs at technical schools or community colleges to improve their credentials and knowledge. Because it can be difficult to start a business from scratch, most furniture restorers begin their careers as woodworking apprentices or as employees of a specialty store. A skilled furniture restorer can consider self-employment if they have enough time, experience, and a good reputation.