Wood Finishing Technology

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Major Description

The world of the wood finisher is a blend of the past, present and future. Students can specialize in many different areas where their skills will allow the past to continue or be creative with today's new materials and techniques.

Nature of Work

An area of specialty is that of a commercial finishing technician. This uses today's modern finishes and techniques on new furniture construction. Being able to create beautiful finishes and match new colors on furniture and millwork is of great value to today's wood finishing industry.

Skilled finishers of wood can use their talents in many different aspects within the wood finishing trade. One major area would be a furniture restoration specialist. This person is someone who can totally refinish or refurbish older furniture, considering the heritage and integrity of the furniture. This includes everything from repairing or replacing wooden parts to repairing or replacing the finish itself.

Within both of these specialties lies another profession, a spot repair artist called a furniture service technician, who can creatively disguise those unavoidable small damages, such as nicks, dents and scratches. This technician can take care of damages that can be repaired at the production site, in the warehouse being prepared for delivery or at the site of location where the furniture has been delivered. Upholstery repair and vinyl repairs are also taught to accommodate other repairs needed to be a furniture service technician or a furniture restoration specialist.

Career Opportunities

Skilled furniture restorers will work for or start their own furniture refinishing shops. They may also specialize in the restoration of antique furniture, clocks, radios and other items. Commercial finishing technicians will find employment with any furniture manufacturer. Their responsibilities include color matching, surface preparation, color application, sealing, top-coating and rubbing out the finish. A furniture service technician can work independently with the general public, furniture stores, furniture manufacturers or setting up contract maintenance agreements with business offices. Furniture service technicians can also work in-house for a furniture store using their skills repairing nicks, dents, and scratches on furniture before it is sold.

Program Delivery

Students begin this program in the Fall semester. Courses are offered during the day. A full-time start is preferred.

Advanced Standing

Previous college courses, certification, licensure and training may be considered for credit in the major. The responsibility for seeking credit rests with the student and can be initiated by completing the course SMGT2950 Prior Experiential Learning Portfolio Development (1 elective credit).

After DCTC

DCTC has transfer agreements for this program with the following colleges: Bemidji State University and the University of Minnesota-Crookston. See Transfer Credits for more information.

Student Outcomes

  1. Graduates completing the Wood Finishing Technology program will be prepared for employment in many segments of the wood finishing industry.
  2. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  3. Students will have hands-on training in almost all aspects of wood finishing.

Academic Advisor

Dean

  • Sherralyn Cox
    Dean of Design and Health/Human Services

Faculty

Mitchell Kohanek 651-423-8362 mitchell.kohanek@dctc.edu BIO
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