- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- persistence and determination
- the ability to work on your own
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- customer service skills
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- working out the best way to conserve or restore a piece of furniture
- advising customers about restoration options
- estimating prices and giving quotes
- gathering the materials needed for a job
- using techniques like woodturning, veneering and marquetry
- mixing and applying colours and stains
- gilding, polishing and upholstering items
- keeping photographic and written records of the process
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work in a factory or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be dusty.
You could set up your own furniture restoration business, carrying out work for organisations and the public, or work as a consultant for museums, auction houses, historical or heritage sites, or antique dealers.
You can find out more about training and careers in furniture restoration and conservation through: The Institute of Conservation and The British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association
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