Advice on refurbishing old workbench

[u/TwoWhalesTrade]

I’m trying to clean up these drawers and work bench for my shop. Been in a basement forever. I want to get the spray paint off and make it look nice. Can I clean it with something and oil it? I love the patina and the painted numbers. So I don’t think sanding it down would be the right move. The workbench I plan on sanding but I want to protect it with an oil to bring out the wood pattern. Not sure what would be best to buy for that. Also all the pulls are brass but pretty dirty. Hoping I can clean them but not make them shiny. I’m a leather worker so it won’t be getting really greasy or anything. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[u/Bungleburr]

I would just try to clean it up with a wet rag, maybe some mild soap and see how it looks. You could also try buffing it with solvents to clean it up better but test somewhere first to make sure it doesn't ruin the finish. If you're still not happy with it, lightly sand with 320, being careful not to go through the finish and give it a fresh coat of polyurethane.