Ovation Concrete Countertop Sealer
About
Ovation Concrete Countertop Sealer was developed by Jeff Girard at The Concrete Countertop Institute to provide a safer, more approachable way to protect concrete countertops without sacrificing performance. It was designed to bridge the gap between complex professional sealers and consumer-grade products that fall short on durability and long-term protection.
This water-based sealer delivers strong stain, acid, abrasion, and scratch resistance while maintaining a breathable, low-build finish that preserves the natural appearance of concrete rather than masking it with a plastic film. Ovation continues to gain performance as it cures and is designed for real-world use on concrete countertops that see daily wear. Easy to apply, easy to maintain, and compatible with virtually any concrete countertop mix, Ovation is well suited for kitchens, baths, furniture, and architectural concrete surfaces, indoors or out.
WHAT DOES OVATION CONCRETE COUNTERTOP SEALER LOOK LIKE?
- Natural Concrete Appearance | Preserves the authentic look and feel of real concrete
- Sheen Options | Satin provides subtle luster while Gloss delivers a high-shine finish
- Low Build Finish | Avoids thick films and plastic-looking surfaces
- Light Color Enhancement | Slightly enriches concrete without fully wetting out the surface
WHY IS OVATION EASIER TO APPLY THAN OTHER SEALERS?
- Simple Mixing | Single-component concentrate mixed at 2 parts Ovation to 1 part water
- Streak-Free Application | Designed to level easily for consistent, professional results
- Mix-Independent Performance | Works with any concrete countertop mix design
- Reseal Friendly | Can be applied over existing concrete countertop sealers
Calculator
WHAT IS THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF YOUR PROJECT?
Specs
HOW MUCH DOES OVATION COVER?
- Coverage Range | A 16 oz bottle covers approximately 50 to 100 sq ft when applied in four coats
- Efficient Coverage | Designed to spread evenly across concrete countertop surfaces for consistent application
- Porosity Dependent | Actual coverage varies based on the porosity and absorption rate of the concrete surface
- Low Build Application | Thin, breathable film allows coverage to be built gradually without creating a heavy finish
HOW DOES OVATION CONCRETE COUNTERTOP SEALER PERFORM?
- Stain and Acid Resistance | Resists common household stains and acids for up to one hour and beyond
- Breathable Protection | Allows moisture vapor to escape while blocking staining agents
- Scratch and Abrasion Resistance | Holds up to everyday use on countertops and furniture
- Indoor and Outdoor Durability | UV stable, non-yellowing, and suitable for wet or dry environments
- Food-Safe Use | Safe for kitchens, baths, sinks, showers, and food-prep areas when properly maintained
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
| HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS | 1 HOUR EXPOSURE |
| Vegetable Oil | No Effect |
| Crushed Berries* | No Effect |
| Dish Soap (Dawn® Dish Detergent) | No Effect |
| Household Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite 5%) | No Effect |
| Household Ammonia | No Effect |
| Tap Water | No Damage to Sealer or Concrete |
| Lemon Juice | No Damage to Sealer or Concrete |
| White Vinegar ( Acetic Acid 5%) | No Damage to Sealer or Concrete |
| Greased Lightning® | No Damage to Sealer or Concrete |
| Yellow Mustard | Temporary Surface Stain |
| Red Wine | Temporary Surface Stain |
| Coffee | Temporary Surface Stain |
| Tabasco® Sauce | Permanent Damage Possible |
| Isopropyl Alcohol (70%) | Permanent Damage Possible |
| Acetone | Permanent Damage Immediately |
*Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries
DEFINITIONS
| TERM | DESCRIPTION | ACTION |
| No Effect | There is no change in appearance or performance | None needed |
| No Damage to Sealer or Concrete | Neither the sealer nor the concrete is damaged or stained. Because Ovation is a breathable finish, water might pass through and cause a dark mark due to dampening of the underlying concrete, which will disappear on its own once the concrete dries. | Allow the underlying concrete to dry |
| Temporary Surface Stain | The surface of the sealer appears discolored, but the sealer is undamaged, and underlying concrete is unaffected | Soak the discolored area with bleach |
| Permanent Damage | The sealer is permanently damaged and no longer protects the concrete. The agent which caused the damage to the sealer may or may not cause damage to the underlying concrete as well. | Reseal |
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
| TEST | IMPACT |
| Abrasion Resistance | Taber abrasor CS-17 calibrase wheel with 1000 gram total load and 1000 cycles = 60.0 mg loss |
| Impact Resistance | Gardner Impact, direct and reverse = 160 in lb (passed) |
| Adhesion | >300 psi @ elcometer (concrete failure, no delamination) |
| Water Resistance | Breathable finish, beads water, pooled water may pass through and temporarily darken underlying concrete |
| UV Stability | Excellent, suitable for outdoor use |
| Heat Resistance | Not heat resistant, use trivets, do not place hot pots or slow cookers on surface |
OVATION IN ACTION — RED WINE REMOVED AFTER 24 HOURS
Instructions
SUPPLIES YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY OVATION CONCRETE COUNTERTOP SEALER
- High-Quality Foam Rollers | Essential for an even application, our foam rollers ensure a smooth finish
- Standard Household Spray Bottle | Any spray bottle that provides a consistent mist will work
- Protective Clothing and Rubber Gloves | Always wear these to safeguard your skin while working with sealers
- A Bucket or Bowl | Ensure it holds roughly 1/2 gallon of water for rinsing and cleaning
- Cool, Clean Water | Keep your water refreshed, especially in warmer settings, consider placing ice in a plastic bag and adding it to your water to maintain a cool temperature
INSTRUCTION SUMMARY FOR OVATION CONCRETE COUNTERTOP SEALER
Below is a very brief summary. Do not rely solely on this summary. It is imperative to watch all of the videos and read all of the written instructions.
1. Recommended Environmental Conditions for Applying Ovation Concrete Sealer
When applying the sealer, consider the following environmental conditions to ensure optimal results:
- Air Movement: Work in an area with relatively still air. Breezy or drafty environments can cause the sealer to dry prematurely, leading to unwanted streaks.
- Temperature: Avoid applying the sealer under radiant heat or direct sunlight. Any source of intense heat can cause the sealer to dry too quickly, resulting in uneven application.
By adhering to these guidelines, you'll maintain the integrity of the sealer and achieve a flawless finish.
Detailed information about the exact temperature and humidity, as well as considerations of dew point, air flow and dust control, are in the written instructions available from the full instructions page.
2. How to Prepare Your Concrete Surface for Sealing with Ovation
Achieving a flawless finish on your concrete countertop begins with proper preparation. You will follow these steps to ensure your surface is ready for the sealer application:
- Cure your concrete for at least 2 days
- Make sure the concrete is microscopically rough by etching, wet sanding by hand, or machine honing to no more than 400 grit
- Make sure the concrete is clean and dry
- Ensure that the environment you will seal in is suitable
Click here for detailed instructions and video for the surface preparation process. By following these preparation steps, your concrete surface will be perfectly primed for the sealer, guaranteeing a smooth and professional finish.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Ovation Concrete Countertop Sealer
Applying a sealer to your concrete countertop not only enhances its appearance but also provides essential protection. Follow these steps to achieve a beautifully sealed surface. Note that you must refer to the full instructions for the details - DO NOT rely only on the steps below.
3a. Shake and Dilute
- Shake bottle well
- Mix 2 parts Ovation to 1 part water
- Dampen your foam roller and squeeze out excess water
3b. Spray and Roll
- Spray the diluted sealer onto a small section of the surface
- Spread with the foam roller
- Back roll with the foam roller to achieve an even surface
- Blend each new section into the wet edge of the previous section while the sealer is still wet and fluid
3c. Re-coat
- Allow the first coat to dry for no less than 1 to 2 hours
- Use 1000 grit sandpaper to lightly knock down rough spots before applying each new coat of finish
- Additional coats can be applied thinner and allowed to dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Apply 4 coats to achieve optimal protection, do not apply fewer than 3 coats
3d. Cure
- Allow the finish to cure for at least 48 hours before transportation, installation, and gentle use, full cure at ambient room temperatures occurs in about 7 days
Following the detailed steps in the full instructions will help ensure your concrete countertop is well-protected and maintains its pristine condition.
