Even if you do a nice job original condition is easier to sell and valued more. That said, it's not that much money either way, and if there's damage we repair best we can and reupholster cases in very bad condition. I hate it when oak and wood furniture is painted, I much rather have the original finish. I have been guilty of painting an old chest of drawers white, and I have regretted it many times. It was in bad condition, but the finish was birchroot veneer, a very dark redish brown, shellack oh, I should have had it restored in stead. People are usually very happy with the result right away, at least themselves. A couple of years later the enthusiam wears off. Is it varnished with shellac or more like pvc? Does it have to match the interior that strictly?