Painting/hardenning wood on corn binder questions

[FarmboyBill]

The gatherer boards are without a trace of paint on the top sides, due to the friction of comeing in contact with the corn for 80+ yrs. I am thinking of putting a hardener on the boards. Question is, should I put on the hardener first on the bare boards, then paint, or reverse. How many layers of both/either should I use to make somewhat sure it will last for awhile. I wouldnt mind repainting them each year if thats what it took to keep paint on them . The rest of the boards on it, and especially the ironwork are in remarkable good condition as to paint. The red is a faded pinkish color, and the wheels are a faded yellow.

[WayneR]

Have you considered boiled linseed oil? As it is a 'natural' product, there should be little concern for contaminating the corn. It would soak into the wood grain and provide prolonged protection with ease of re-application.
Works well on metal also, given a longer drying time.