Furniture Finisher

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.

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.

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• Prepare wood and metal surfaces for finishing, including sanding, filling, grain conditioning, and metal prep (degreasing, etching, priming as needed)
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• Apply finishes using both spray equipment (HVLP, conventional, airless) and hand application methods (rag, brush, pad, wipe-on/wipe-off)
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• Mix, match, and tone finishes to achieve consistent, specified color and sheen across production runs and custom/one-off pieces
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• Work confidently across a full range of finish systems, including:
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• Lacquers (nitrocellulose, pre-catalyzed, conversion varnish)
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• Urethanes (oil- and water-based, conversion/two-part systems)
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• Oil-based stains and dyes
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• Alcohol-based stains and dyes
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• Water-based finishes and topcoats
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• Waxes, oils, and hand-rubbed/oil finishes
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• Metal finishes: powder coat touch-up, patinas, sealers, and clear protective coatings as applicable
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• Troubleshoot and correct common finishing issues (blush, orange peel, fisheye, bleed-through, uneven sheen, adhesion problems)
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• Maintain spray booth, guns, and finishing equipment; follow proper cleaning, maintenance, and safety protocols
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• Read and interpret finish specifications, samples, and color standards; produce finish samples for client/design approval
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• 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)
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• Collaborate with the production and design team to maintain consistency between prototypes, samples, and final production pieces
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• Keep accurate records of finish formulas, batch mixes, and material usage
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• 5+ years of professional experience in fine furniture, cabinetry, or millwork finishing (spray and hand application required)
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• Working knowledge of finishing both wood and metal substrates
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• Hands-on experience with lacquers, urethanes, oil- and alcohol-based stains, and water-based finish systems
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• Strong color-matching and toning skills; good eye for sheen and surface consistency
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• Familiarity with spray equipment setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting
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• Understanding of proper ventilation, PPE, and safe handling of solvents and finishing chemicals
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• Ability to read finish specs, work orders, and color/sheen samples
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• Strong attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship
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• Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a small production team
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• Experience finishing high-end or designer furniture, architectural millwork, or fine woodworking
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• Familiarity with patina and metal-finishing techniques
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• Experience maintaining finish formula documentation/batch records
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