Tools

Supplies

Reasons to Seal Your Driveway

  • Improves the look of your driveway and increases curb appeal.
  • Helps prevent cracks and damage from harsh weather conditions.
  • Provides a smooth, uniform surface with increased traction.

Before You Get Started

  • Wear work gloves to prevent blisters during manual procedures.
  • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and debris.
  • Wear grubby clothes that can get permanent marks from the sealer.

How to Seal Your Driveway

Step 1 Clean Your Driveway

The sealcoat needs a clear surface to adhere correctly. Start by removing large debris with a broom or leaf blower. Use a cleaner product for grease spots and other stubborn stains. Finish with a pressure washer to make sure the surface is as clean as possible.  Allow it to thoroughly dry before applying sealer products.

use a pressure washer
Use a broom or a pressure washer to clean your driveway.

Step 2 Seal Large Cracks

While the seal coat can fill most smaller cracks, for larger cracks, use a specialized crack filler that works better on large gaps. After applying the product, it may be necessary to use a spreader to achieve a smooth finish. Larger damaged areas may need an asphalt patching product.

Driveway Crack Filler
Fill large cracks with a specialized filler.

Step 3 Choose the Correct Sealer

Driveway sealers come in different formulations and price points. Typically, the longer-lasting products will be guaranteed for 5 or more years, with formulations that include sand and other substrates to help fill in cracks.

selection of driveway sealer products
Driveway sealers come in many different formulations.
PRO TIP
Wear grubby clothes and shoes when you seal your driveway. The sealer is often difficult or impossible to remove once it gets on your clothes.

Step 4 Stir the Sealer

Be sure to thoroughly mix the sealer product before you pour it out. You can use a drill and a mixing attachment to make sure the product is thoroughly mixed and the solids are evenly distributed.

Mixing Attachment
Use an attachment on your drill to mix the sealer.

Step 5 Pour the Sealant and Spread

After the sealant is thoroughly mixed, pour some out onto the driveway surface. Use a large squeegee or stiff bristle broom to spread out the sealant.

Pour Sealant
Pour out a generous amount of the sealant on the driveway.
PRO TIP
Make sure the temperature outside is between 50 degrees and 90 degrees. Temperatures in that range ensure the product dries even. Look at the weather report and make sure it will not rain for at least 24 hours. It should have at least a couple days to dry.

Step 6 Spread Out the Sealer

Using the squeegee or broom, evenly push the sealer across the driveway surface. Think of it as painting the surface, being sure not to miss any spots. Make sure to apply a generous amount in cracks. Similar to painting a wall, try and avoid thick stripes of sealant that can create an uneven surface finish.

Use a brush to spread sealer.
Use a broom to spread out the sealer on the driveway.
PRO TIP
Work from one end of the driveway to the other, ensuring you have an exit at the finish and you haven’t painted yourself in a corner.

Step 7 Rope Off the Finished Area

Make sure not to drive or step on the area for at least a couple of days until the product is fully dry. It is best to make sure there is no rain in the forecast for a couple of days as well.

Rope off finished area.
Avoid traffic while the sealer dries.