Not every “restoration” needs or deserves to protect the original patina.  The former owner of my house added a sunroom and in the process removed two of the 70+ years old exterior doors.  The photo at the top shows what the door looked like before I attacked it. 

This is not apples vs apples.

Also, upcycling furniture is not restoration. You can do what you want when upcycling because the originality is deliberately destroyed, to be replaced with something new. Sand away!

So be sure to use the appropriate terminology. Restoring aims to be true to, even retain, originality. Sanding must be done judiciously.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[quote author=derekcohen link=topic=64609.msg678836#msg678836 Sand away!

So be sure to use the appropriate terminology. Restoring aims to be true to, even retain, originality. Sanding must be done judiciously.

Regards from Perth

Derek
[/quote]

I agree.  But we still don’t know how the O.P. Is defining “renovating” and if that means “restoration” or something else.

We need more context; more information.

There is a show on Motor Trend TV about restoring Mopar automobiles.  One episode spent most of the hour long show debating whether the car should be left all original and just cleaned up or if it should receive a full restoration.  There were good arguments on both sides. 

As I recall they cleaned it us as a “survivor car”, though I suspect most buyers would prefer a pristine new looking and running version over the authentic “survivor” version. 

I think, until you get to really valuable antiques that are largely irreplaceable, it is just a matter of what you want in your home.  Or if it is really valuable, and you don’t treasure it, then sell it and buy what you do like. 

I agree.  But we still don’t know how the O.P. Is defining “renovating” and if that means “restoration” or something else.

We need more context; more information

Given that the OP asked this question almost two years ago and hasn't been active since then I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for clarification.

My late father was a professional wood carver and furniture restorer.  I'm not even sure he owned a sander. 

Upcycling, in the UK at least, appears to be a licence to part people that really should know better with vast sums of their money for some tarted up tat that I would think twice about using for firewood.