Hi everyone, I am looking to properly finish reclaimed wood while still keeping it’s rustic charm.  A friend told me to sand it gently, but am afraid it will take away it’s ‘patina.’  I don’t think it’s a good idea to wash it seeing how the water will raise the grain.  I’m thinking of just wiping it down with a dry rag, vacuum & dust off, then hit it with a few coats of poly.  

Does anyone have tips on doing this right?  I have a couple of pallets and an old beam with some nice character to it.  The pallet are pine and the beam is doglas fur I beleive.