What are the responsibilities and job description for the Master Finisher position at Bernhardt Furniture Company?
Join one of the oldest and most respected family-owned furniture companies in the U.S., with over 130 years of craftsmanship and innovation. At Bernhardt, we blend tradition with forward-thinking design, and we’re looking for a talented engineer to help shape the future of residential furniture.
About Bernhardt Founded in 1889 in Lenoir, NC, Bernhardt Furniture is a global leader in luxury furniture design. With eight manufacturing facilities and a 75,000 sq. ft. showroom in High Point, we remain a fourth-generation family business built on craftsmanship, quality, and community.
Apply Today Become part of the Bernhardt legacy. Bernhardt Furniture is an Equal Opportunity Employer – EEO/Vet/Disabled.
Role Overview
As a Master Finisher, you will play a vital role in bringing our furniture to life through expert finishing techniques. This part-time position is ideal for a seasoned professional seeking a flexible schedule while contributing high-level expertise to a collaborative and quality-driven environment.Key Responsibilities
- Match stains, paints, and finishes to customer specifications or production standards
- Mix and adjust stains, dyes, and finishes to achieve precise color tones across various wood species
- Prepare wood surfaces through sanding and filling to ensure optimal finish adhesion
- Inspect raw and pre-finished components for defects and perform necessary corrections
- Apply stains, sealers, glazes, and topcoats using spray equipment, brushes, or hand-rubbed methods
- Ensure consistent coverage, proper drying times, and flawless finish quality
- Conduct final inspections to ensure durability, consistency, and aesthetic excellence
- Identify and correct finishing flaws such as blotching, streaking, or color mismatches
- Collaborate with production and design teams to improve finishing processes
- Maintain accurate records of formulas, procedures, and adjustments for repeatability
- Follow safety protocols for chemical handling, ventilation, and equipment use
- Maintain finishing tools, spray booths, and work areas in clean, operational condition
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of experience in wood finishing, preferably in a furniture manufacturing setting
- Mastery of color theory and stain behavior across different wood species
- Proficient in HVLP spray systems, hand tools, and finishing equipment
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of VOC regulations and safe handling of finishing materials
Preferred Skills
- Experience with custom finishes and specialty techniques (e.g., distressing, antiquing, high-gloss)
- Familiarity with both water-based and solvent-based finishing systems
- Ability to mentor junior finishers and lead finishing projects
Why Bernhardt
Workplace Benefits- Safe, ethical, and collaborative environment
- Hourly employees get paid weekly
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (eligible after 31 days)
- Onsite wellness clinic and free health programs
- 401(k), life insurance, and disability coverage
- Paid holidays including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving
- Annual facility closures in July and December
About Bernhardt Founded in 1889 in Lenoir, NC, Bernhardt Furniture is a global leader in luxury furniture design. With eight manufacturing facilities and a 75,000 sq. ft. showroom in High Point, we remain a fourth-generation family business built on craftsmanship, quality, and community.
Apply Today Become part of the Bernhardt legacy. Bernhardt Furniture is an Equal Opportunity Employer – EEO/Vet/Disabled.