Omega and Ovation offer various features and benefits. These can be combined by using them together.
First it is helpful to understand the differences between the 2 sealers. Please read this article and look at the photos in it.
The most common reasons to combine Omega and Ovation are color enhancement, sheen, and stain/acid resistance performance.
- Omega is color enhancing. Ovation provides very little color enhancement.
- Omega has a matte sheen. Ovation has a satin or gloss sheen.
- Omega has extreme chemical resistance and stain protection. Ovation has good protection provided basic care is exercised.
Why Combine Omega and Ovation Concrete Countertop Sealers?
The most common scenarios in which people combine Omega and Ovation are listed below:
Scenario 1: You want the excellent performance of Omega, but no color enhancement.
- Solution: Apply Omega over Ovation as instructed below.
- Reason: Ovation doesn’t color enhance like Omega does, so using Ovation as essentially a primer for Omega retains a bare or “natural” concrete look.
Scenario 2: You want the excellent performance of Omega, but a higher sheen.
- Solution: Apply Ovation over Omega as instructed below.
- Reason: Omega has a matte sheen. Using Ovation over Omega increases the sheen to satin or gloss. (Note that Omega will enhance the color of the bare concrete.)
Scenario 3: You want the ease of application of Ovation, but you require color enhancement.
- Solution: Apply Ovation over Omega as instructed below.
- Reason: Omega is color enhancing. Applying it to bare concrete will enhance the color of the concrete. Then you can proceed with Ovation.
Put another way:
- The sealer that you apply first determines color enhancement.
- Apply Omega first if you want color enhancement.
- Apply Ovation first if you do not want color enhancement.
- The sealer that you apply last determines sheen.
- Apply Omega last if you want a matte sheen.
- Apply Ovation last if you want a satin or a gloss sheen.
How to Apply Ovation over Omega
To review, Ovation can be applied over Omega when you want color enhancement of the concrete (from Omega first) or a higher sheen on the finished concrete (from Ovation last).
Ovation can be applied over Omega in two different circumstances:
- Ovation applied to freshly applied Omega
- Ovation applied to already cured Omega
How to Apply Ovation Over Freshly Applied Omega
Important: all the moisture from applying Omega must be gone before applying Ovation.
If you want color enhancement and the full performance of Omega and you’re using Ovation simply to provide a higher sheen (scenario 2), then you need to do a full Omega application and apply Ovation over the final Omega finish coat.
- Let the final Omega finish coat cure for at least 24 hours.
- Knock down any dust nubs by sanding with very light pressure using 400 grit sandpaper.
- Apply at least 2 coats of Ovation Satin, or at least 4 coats Ovation Gloss, to achieve desired gloss level.
If you only want color enhancement (scenario 3), you can apply Ovation over freshly applied Omega primer:
- Apply at least 2 coats of Omega primer to ensure full color enhancement.
- Let Omega primer dry completely, at least 3 hours.
- Apply Ovation as normal.
How to Apply Ovation Over Cured Omega
Use this method if you have already fully applied Omega and it has cured for at least 48 hours. (This is scenario 2 – you’ll get the full performance of Omega because you already fully applied it, and you’ll get the sheen of Ovation because it is the last sealer applied.)
- Omega should be cured for at least 48 hours.
- Clean and lightly dry scuff Omega with 400 to 600 grit sandpaper.
- Apply at least 2 coats of Ovation Satin, or at least 4 coats Ovation Gloss, to achieve desired gloss level.
How to Apply Omega over Ovation
To review, this technique is used primarily if you want the performance of Omega, but you don’t want to enhance the color of the concrete. Essentially Ovation is used as the primer for Omega. Ovation doesn’t color enhance like Omega does, so using Ovation as a primer retains a bare or “natural” concrete look.
Omega can be applied over Ovation in two different circumstances:
- Omega applied to already cured Ovation (48 hours or more old)
- Omega applied to freshly applied Ovation
How to Apply Omega Over Cured Ovation
- Clean and lightly dry scuff Ovation using 400 to 600 grit sandpaper or a green Scotch-Brite pad.
- Apply Omega finish coats. There is no need for Omega primer coats.
How to Apply Omega over Freshly Applied Ovation
Important: All the moisture from applying Ovation must be totally gone before applying Omega.
- Apply 2 coats of Ovation (it acts as a primer for Omega).
- Allow the last coat of Ovation to dry for at least 3 hours.
- Apply Omega finish coats.