Furniture Finisher
kgblNew York (NY)
About the role
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
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.
Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.
More like this