Creating a single statement about a comparison of concrete countertop sealers designed to be different from each other is difficult to do. The best way to appreciate the differences between Ovation and Omega is to read through all of the information available about each product on the product page and the FAQ page.
- Omega product page and FAQ
- Ovation product page and FAQ
Here is a brief summary:
- Omega is a professional grade sealer that requires precise mixing, a separate priming process, and provides extreme chemical resistance and stain protection. Ovation was formulated to be simple, easy to use for DIY concrete countertops, and offer good protection provided basic care is exercised.
- Both protect your concrete, both can be used indoors and outdoors, and both are water based and are applied similarly.
- Omega is color enhancing and has a matte sheen. Ovation provides very little color enhancement and has a satin sheen.
- Omega stands up to harsh solvents, while Ovation can’t. Both resist red wine, lemon juice and vinegar, but Omega can stand up to them much longer.
The most obvious differences are in color enhancement/sheen and stain/acid resistance performance.
Color Enhancement and Sheen
- Omega is very color enhancing, and its sheen is completely matte.
- Ovation is only very slightly color enhancing, and its sheen is either satin or gloss.
- Omega’s and Ovation’s sheen, color enhancement and performance properties can be combined. Click here for details.
This photo illustrates the color enhancement differences:
This photo illustrates the sheen differences:
Stain and Acid Resistance
- Omega is completely impervious to almost all substances for at least 24 hours. Here is a stain/acid resistance chart for Omega.
- Ovation is designed to perform very well when spills are wiped up promptly. It resists most substances for at least 1 hour. Here is a stain/acid resistance chart for Ovation.
When you look at the stain/acid resistance of Omega at 24 hours and Ovation at 1 hour, they look very similar.
This illustrates that simply by wiping up spills promptly, Ovation can provide excellent stain and acid resistance.
Complete List of Differences between Omega and Ovation
The following chart is a comprehensive list of the properties of the two sealers.
| Omega | Ovation | |
| Sheen | Matte | Satin or Gloss |
| Color enhancement | Substantial | Very little |
| Stain resistance | 24 hours+ | 1 hour+ |
| Acid resistance | 24 hours+ | 1 hour+ |
| Solvent (acetone, isopropyl alcohol) resistance | 24 hours+ | Immediate damage possible |
| Abrasion resistance | Excellent | Very good |
| Heat resistance | Excellent (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, 260 degrees Celsius) | Poor (use trivets, do not place slow cooker on surface) |
| Cost for smallest size | $129.99 | $69.99 |
| Coverage | 133 – 267 sq ft depending on number of coats | 50 – 100 sq ft for 4 coats, depending on porosity of concrete |
| Cost per sq ft | $0.49 – $0.98 depending on number of coats | $0.70 – $1.40 for 4 coats |
| Shelf life | 6-9 months from the date of manufacture in unopened containers | 2 years, undiluted or diluted (can be stored for touchups) |
| Repairability | Good. See this article. | Good. See this article. |
| Chemistry | Water borne aliphatic polyurethane | Water based hybrid polymer |
| Food safe once cured | Yes | Yes |
| Toxicity before curing | HDI isocyanate (a reactive chemical used to create polyurethanes): Temporary or minor injury may occur. | Ammonia (a naturally occurring compound and household cleaner): Irritation or minor reversible injury possible. |
| Cleaning | Use mild, neutral pH detergent and soft cloth | Use mild, neutral pH detergent and soft cloth |
| Outdoor use okay | Yes, UV stable | Yes, UV stable |
| Wet use okay | Yes, with proper induction time as explained in instructions | Yes, but Ovation is a breathable finish and may allow water to penetrate and darken underlying concrete |
| Components | Part A and Part B mix 2:1, dilute with water 1:7 for primer and 1:1 for finish coats | Single component, dilute with water 2:1 |
| Induction time to wait once mixed | 5 minutes (see instructions) | None |
| Pot life once mixed/diluted | 45 minutes | 2 years (can be stored undiluted or diluted) |
| Coats required | 1-2 primer coats and 3-4 finish coats for countertops. 1-2 primer coats and 1-2 finish coats for fireplace surrounds, wall panels, etc. | 3-4 coats for countertops. 1-3 coats for fireplace surrounds, wall panels, etc. |
| Time between coats | 15 minutes | 30 – 60 minutes |
| Surface preparation | Wet processing only, up to 400 grit | Wet processing only, up to 400 grit |
| Application method | Mix A:B, dilute 1:7 or 1:1 with water, induct. Spray and roll within 30 minutes. | Dilute with water 2:1. Spray and roll. |