• Finishers finish all types of case goods to the desired colour and sheen by using the following process: sand, tone or spray stain, seal, prime, wash coat, seal or primer sand, shade, topcoat/topcoat.
• Finishers prepare surfaces for finishing by hand, using sandpaper to smooth surfaces, or by using machine sanders

Finishers perform a variety of duties including:

• Examine wood and component pieces
• Fix small defects and ensure that all the dust from sanding has been removed from the
• surface of the piece that is to be finished
• Select the products (colours, stains and sheen) to finish the wood surfaces
• Use sponges, rags or sprays to produce a variety of special effects on the wood

Finishers complete their work on the shop floor. During the finishing process, physical activities such as bending, reaching, standing, and lifting are required of Finishers. Finishers are expected to move quickly in the finishing area as they apply various coatings. Finishers are required to wear a face mask and other safety equipment for specific periods of time.

Personal characteristics suitable for the Finisher include:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving
• Be a team player
• Attention to detail
• Have a willingness to learn
• Hand and eye coordination
• Physically fit
• Safety conscious
• Able to carry out mathematical calculations
• Organized
• Ability to discriminate different hues
• Not allergic to dust

There are few formal college level programs that train Finishers for the industry. Training occurs primarily on site or at specific workshops offered as part of conferences or specifically set up to address the needs of a group of companies.

Upon being hired, the new Finisher usually has 2 to 3 weeks of training, observing and acting as an assistant to a more experienced Finisher. Some companies begin the entry level employee in spraying then progressively move him/her to sanding, toning, applying spray stain, wiping stain, sealer sanding, touch up, masking, shading and so on.

Essential Skills including numeracy, working with others, document use, reading text, and thinking skills, have been identified as necessary skills for entry into this occupation.