Furniture Finisher

KGBL; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

KGBL in New York is seeking a skilled Furniture Finisher to join our production team and bring pieces to their final market-ready form.

You will work with a range of finish systems on wood and metal substrates, using spray equipment and hand-applied methods to achieve consistent color, sheen, and protection.

This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong knowledge of lacquers, urethanes, stains, and a commitment to safety and quality.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional finishing experience in fine furniture or cabinetry.
• Experience finishing wood and metal substrates.
• Proficient with lacquer, urethanes, oil- and alcohol-based stains, and water-based finishes.
• Strong color-matching and sheen control.
• Ability to read finish specs and color samples.

Responsibilities

• Prepare wood and metal surfaces for finishing, including sanding, filling, grain conditioning, and metal prep.
• Apply finishes using spray equipment and hand-application methods.
• Mix and tone finishes for consistent color and sheen across production runs.
• Maintain spray booth, tools, and safety protocols.
• Read finish specs, produce samples, and document formulas.
• Collaborate with production and design to ensure consistency with prototypes.
• Keep a clean, organized finishing area per OSHA guidelines.

Skills

Fine furniture finishing

Spray and hand applications

Color matching and toning

Attention to detail

Reading finish specs

Tools

Lacquers and urethanes

Oil- and alcohol-based stains

Water-based finishes

Spray equipment (HVLP, airless)

Job description

KGBL is a New York-based furniture design studio led by founder and designer Christiaan Bunce, producing thoughtfully crafted wood and metal furniture for residential and hospitality clients. We're looking for a skilled Furniture Finisher to join our production team and help bring our pieces to their final, market-ready form.

The Role

KGBL is seeking an experienced Furniture Finisher with deep knowledge of both spray and hand-applied finishing techniques across a wide range of materials and finish systems. This role is central to the quality and craft of every piece that leaves our studio - from raw wood and metal substrates through to final protective and decorative finish.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare wood and metal surfaces for finishing, including sanding, filling, grain conditioning, and metal prep (degreasing, etching, priming as needed)
• Apply finishes using both spray equipment (HVLP, conventional, airless) and hand application methods (rag, brush, pad, wipe-on/wipe-off)
• Mix, match, and tone finishes to achieve consistent, specified color and sheen across production runs and custom/one-off pieces
• Work confidently across a full range of finish systems, including:
• Lacquers (nitrocellulose, pre-catalyzed, conversion varnish)
• Urethanes (oil- and water-based, conversion/two-part systems)
• Oil-based stains and dyes
• Alcohol-based stains and dyes
• Water-based finishes and topcoats
• Waxes, oils, and hand-rubbed/oil finishes
• Metal finishes: powder coat touch-up, patinas, sealers, and clear protective coatings as applicable
• Troubleshoot and correct common finishing issues (blush, orange peel, fisheye, bleed-through, uneven sheen, adhesion problems)
• Maintain spray booth, guns, and finishing equipment; follow proper cleaning, maintenance, and safety protocols
• Read and interpret finish specifications, samples, and color standards; produce finish samples for client/design approval
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant finishing area in accordance with OSHA and local environmental regulations (VOC handling, proper storage and disposal of finishing materials)
• Collaborate with the production and design team to maintain consistency between prototypes, samples, and final production pieces
• Keep accurate records of finish formulas, batch mixes, and material usage

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in fine furniture, cabinetry, or millwork finishing (spray and hand application required)
• Working knowledge of finishing both wood and metal substrates
• Hands-on experience with lacquers, urethanes, oil- and alcohol-based stains, and water-based finish systems
• Strong color-matching and toning skills; good eye for sheen and surface consistency
• Familiarity with spray equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Understanding of proper ventilation, PPE, and safe handling of solvents and finishing chemicals
• Ability to read finish specs, work orders, and color/sheen samples
• Strong attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship
• Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a small production team

Nice to Have

• Experience finishing high-end or designer furniture, architectural millwork, or fine woodworking
• Familiarity with patina and metal-finishing techniques
• Experience maintaining finish formula documentation/batch records