Furniture Finisher

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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