Back to Carpentry, Joinery and Furniture

National code: MSF30122

Certificate III in Furniture Finishing (French Polishing)

Ask a question

Overview About this course

Explore the art of French polishing, varied workshop practice and the use of polyurethanes. You’ll work alongside trade specialties and benefit from industry links. You’ll encounter new technologies while acquiring time honoured, traditional skills.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Apply techniques in French polishing and the use of polyurethanes

  • Perform surface restoration

  • Apply finishes using finishing tools and spray equipment

  • Select materials

  • Assess the quality of finishes to identify defects and make refinements

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited qualification at a Certificate III level

  • Techniques in traditional French polishing

  • The ability to restore and refine furniture surfaces, addressing scratches, dents and wear with precision

  • Confidence to apply a variety of finishes and coatings to achieve desired durability and visual appeal

  • Proficiency in handling specialised tools essential for furniture finishing tasks

  • In-depth knowledge of materials used in furniture making and finishing processes

  • A sound understanding of quality control, ensuring finished products meet industry standards and client expectations.

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

Apprenticeship

  • Be employed as an apprentice in the industry

  • Register with an Apprenticeship Network Provider who will support your application

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • Relevant employment or access to an appropriate simulated workplace environment

  • Some experience handling tools and equipment

  • A reasonable level of fitness to manage the physical demands of the role

  • Literacy and numeracy skills at year 10 high school level

  • TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.

  • This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: qualified tradesperson, contractor or sub-contractor, specialist furniture restorer or finisher, sales representative for furniture finishing supplier and specialist in furniture finishing retailer.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 1 Course

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Furniture Finishing (French Polishing) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 22 units of competency, including 8 core and 14 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Use furniture finishing hand and power tools MSFFF2009

  • Dismantle and reassemble furniture for finishing MSFFF2010

  • Make measurements and calculations MSFGN2001

  • Read and interpret work documents MSFGN3005

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.