Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency involved in the hand application of shellac polish to timber surfaces using traditional techniques.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

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

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to French polishing techniques and materials, work orders, plans and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of the worksite and the obtaining of equipment and materials to avoid any back tracking, workflow interruptions or wastage
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise workflow and productivity
• mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and estimate material requirements
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to anticipate French polishing problems, avoid re-working and wastage
• use the workplace technology related to French polishing, including tools, equipment and measuring devices

Required knowledge 

• workplace and equipment safety requirements, including relevant regulations, codes and standards
• construction techniques of rubbers
• safe handling of materials associated with traditional French polishing, including:

• lac
• polishes
• paraffin and linseed oils
• methylated spirits

• shellac mixing procedures
• repair techniques to defects in timber surfaces and polish film
• appropriate rubber charging and movements for each stage of French polishing
• sorage requirements for lac products and rubbers

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.

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

Unit sector 

Furniture Finishing

Competency field 

Co-requisite units