Beeswax chips dissolved in a small amount of turpentine can make a very thick paste that dries fairly hard when applied to the metal and allowed to dry. One can apply a thicker coat of that mixture than one can with Johnsons. However, its best to avoid contact with stock finishes. I've never hunted saltwater, but I've applied this as a long lasting metal finish on rainy day guns that doesn't seem to wipe off after being run through heavy grouse thickets.