Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:55 AM AWST
22/07/2026 12:55 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Apply traditional French polishing techniques
Apply traditional French polishing techniques
Unit of competency
National Code
LMFFF3008B
LMFFF3008B
State Code
W8521
W8521
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/09/2008
Field of Education
030117 - Furniture Polishing
Original Release Date
19/09/2008
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers the competency involved in the hand application of shellac polish to timber surfaces using traditional techniques.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for work
- 1.1. Work requirements are correctly identified from drawings/specifications/instructions
- 1.2. Quality assurance requirements are recognised and adhered to in accordance with company's operation
- 1.3. OHS requirements, including personal protection needs, are observed throughout the work
- 1.4. Tools and equipment selected are consistent with job requirements and work instructions, checked for safety and serviceability and any faults reported to supervisor
- 1.5. Skinning in, bodying up and spiriting out/stiffening up rubbers are prepared consistent with the requirements of the work
2. Prepare for application of polish
- 2.1. Surfaces are checked for contamination and correct preparation according to workplace procedures and standards
- 2.2. Products with surface or other faults are identified and faults are reported or repaired
- 2.3. Techniques for hand application of polish using traditional methods are identified and used according to workplace procedures
- 2.4. Materials and equipment suitable for skinning in, bodying up and spiriting out/stiffening up operations are prepared
- 2.5. Surfaces are stained, filled in and then sealed with polish using a mop brush, blender or swooge
3. Skin in job surface
- 3.1. Surface is lightly sanded and checked for defects which are rectified in accordance with workplace procedures
- 3.2. Skinning in rubber is suitably charged with polish having regard for job colour and clarity
- 3.3. Surface is skinned in, covering small areas at a time, using correct amount of pressure and suitable rubber movements
- 3.4. Pumice powder is applied as necessary in accordance with workplace procedures
- 3.5. Skinned in surface is inspected and any defects are repaired using suitable materials
4. Body up a skinned in surface
- 4.1. Polish, lubricating oil and pumice powder is used to body up the skinned in surface, using correct amount of pressure and suitable rubber movements
- 4.2. Rubber and job surface are continuously monitored to evaluate their condition
- 4.3. Body up rubber is recharged and lubricating oil and pumice are applied as necessary to ensure surface faults and blemishes do not develop
- 4.4. Bodied up surface is full and flat with an even sheen and shows no blemishes
5. Spirit off/stiffen up surface
- 5.1. Surface is stiffened up/spirited off using correctly charged rubber, correct amount of pressure and suitable rubber movements
- 5.2. Stiffened up/spirited off surface is free of oil, full, flat with an even sheen and shows no blemishes or rubber marks
6. Clean up
- 6.1. Workplace is cleared of debris and unused materials
- 6.2. Rubbers are stored separately in airtight glass or plastic containers in accordance with workplace procedures
- 6.3. Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Unit context
OHS requirements may include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes and local safe operating procedures or equivalent
Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements
Work requires individuals to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the process of French polishing
Polishes may include, but are not limited to:
shellac
button lac
de-waxed lac
de-waxed/de-coloured lac
white or bleached lac.
Surfaces are to include:
solid timber or veneered manufactured board
Lubricating oils may include:
paraffin and linseed
Surface faults may include:
machine marks
bruising
pencil marks
grease
cross-sanding marks
scratches
glue marks
dirt marks
insect and termite holes
holes
knots
blisters
rubber marks
burns or tears
ropiness and foreign matter in the polish.
Tools and equipment may include:
filler blades
brushes
abrasive papers
skinning in
bodying up and spiriting out rubbers
mop brush
blender
swooge and scrapers
Personal protective equipment includes:
that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices
Information and procedures
Manufacturer specifications and operational procedures
Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Unit context
OHS requirements may include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous and dangerous goods codes and local safe operating procedures or equivalent
Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, manual handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements
Work requires individuals to demonstrate some discretion, judgement and problem solving skills in the process of French polishing
Polishes may include, but are not limited to:
shellac
button lac
de-waxed lac
de-waxed/de-coloured lac
white or bleached lac.
Surfaces are to include:
solid timber or veneered manufactured board
Lubricating oils may include:
paraffin and linseed
Surface faults may include:
machine marks
bruising
pencil marks
grease
cross-sanding marks
scratches
glue marks
dirt marks
insect and termite holes
holes
knots
blisters
rubber marks
burns or tears
ropiness and foreign matter in the polish.
Tools and equipment may include:
filler blades
brushes
abrasive papers
skinning in
bodying up and spiriting out rubbers
mop brush
blender
swooge and scrapers
Personal protective equipment includes:
that prescribed under legislation, regulations and enterprise policies and practices
Information and procedures
Manufacturer specifications and operational procedures
Work instructions, including job sheets, plans, drawings and designs
Workplace procedures relating to reporting and communication
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Locate, interpret and apply information relevant to French polishing
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:
minimise the risk of injury to self and others
prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
maintain required production output and product quality
Accurately apply traditional French polishing techniques on a minimum of two occasions which must include and cover flat and curved surfaces and an enclosed panel
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment
Resource Implications
Safe work area, French polishing materials, timber components/furnishings requiring polish and cleaning materials.
Method of Assessment
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other relevant units of competency.
Context of Assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Locate, interpret and apply information relevant to French polishing
Follow work instructions, operating procedures and inspection practices to:
minimise the risk of injury to self and others
prevent damage to goods, equipment and products
maintain required production output and product quality
Accurately apply traditional French polishing techniques on a minimum of two occasions which must include and cover flat and curved surfaces and an enclosed panel
Work effectively with others
Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment
Resource Implications
Safe work area, French polishing materials, timber components/furnishings requiring polish and cleaning materials.
Method of Assessment
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and questioning on underpinning knowledge.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other relevant units of competency.
Context of Assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a workplace simulated facility with relevant process equipment, materials, work instructions and deadlines.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W0268 | LMFFF3008A | Apply traditional french polishing techniques | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WI328 | MSFFF3008 | Apply traditional French polishing techniques | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W030 | LMF30202 | Certificate III in Furniture Finishing | Qualification |