Wood Paint & Stain Prepping Specialist

RH; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

RH is seeking a skilled Wood Paint and Stain Prepping Specialist for our Dennis & Leen/Formations Workshop in Torrance, CA. You will prepare raw and assembled wood furniture for finishing, ensuring surfaces are refined, clean, and ready for paint and stain.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in furniture preparation or related craft, with strong sanding and surface correction skills and familiarity with antique or high-end finishes. Safety, precision, and teamwork are essential in this role.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in furniture preparation, woodworking, or related craft.
• Proficiency in sanding, surface correction, and wood preparation techniques across multiple species.
• Experience identifying and repairing surface flaws using fillers, putty, and smoothing methods.
• Skilled in the use of hand tools, orbital sanders, and dust-control systems.
• Understanding of how surface preparation affects paint and stain adhesion, tone, and finish quality.

Responsibilities

• Inspect furniture for surface defects, damage, or inconsistencies prior to finishing.
• Sand wood components using hand tools, orbital sanders, and sanding blocks to achieve a smooth, uniform texture.
• Fill cracks, holes, and imperfections with wood fillers, ensuring seamless blending and consistency.
• Clean and condition surfaces to remove dust, oils, and contaminants that may affect finish adhesion.
• Apply sealers or conditioners as needed to prepare wood for water-based paints and stains.
• Mask or protect areas not to be finished, ensuring clean transitions and defined lines.
• Collaborate with finishers to meet specific finishing requirements and ensure surface readiness.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe workspace in alignment with workshop safety protocols.

Skills

Furniture preparation

Woodworking

Sanding

Finish prep

Hand tools

Safety practices

Tools

Orbital sander

Dust-control systems

Hand tools

Job description

RH is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Wood Paint and Stain Prepping Specialist to join our Dennis & Leen/Formations Workshop in Torrance, CA. This role plays an essential part in preparing raw and assembled wood furniture for finishing, ensuring each surface is refined, clean, and ready for artistry in paint and stain. The ideal candidate brings precision, care, and a deep understanding of wood characteristics and finishing techniques to achieve the level of craftsmanship that defines our timeless aesthetic.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Inspect furniture for surface defects, damage, or inconsistencies prior to finishing
• Sand wood components using hand tools, orbital sanders, and sanding blocks to achieve a smooth, uniform texture
• Fill cracks, holes, and imperfections with wood fillers, ensuring seamless blending and consistency
• Clean and condition surfaces to remove dust, oils, and contaminants that may affect finish adhesion
• Apply sealers or conditioners as needed to prepare wood for water-based paints and stains
• Mask or protect areas not to be finished, ensuring clean transitions and defined lines
• Collaborate with finishers to meet specific finishing requirements and ensure surface readiness
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe workspace in alignment with workshop safety protocols

OUR REQUIREMENTS

• 3+ years of experience in furniture preparation, woodworking, or related craft
• Proficiency in sanding, surface correction, and wood preparation techniques across multiple species
• Experience identifying and repairing surface flaws using fillers, putty, and smoothing methods
• Skilled in the use of hand tools, orbital sanders, and dust-control systems
• Understanding of how surface preparation affects paint and stain adhesion, tone, and finish quality
• Strong attention to detail and consistency across multiple pieces
• Familiarity with antique-style furniture and traditional finishing aesthetics preferred
• Experience in high-end or custom furniture production preferred
• Knowledge of wood species and their behavior under water-based finishes preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Handles and moves wood furniture components weighing up to 75 lbs. regularly
• Performs detailed preparation work requiring dexterity, strength, and sustained concentration
• Stands, bends, and performs repetitive sanding and finishing motions for extended periods in a workshop environment
• Works in areas with exposure to dust, noise, and finishing materials while adhering to safety and PPE standards
• Uses hand and power tools requiring control, coordination, and precision