How to Seal Your Driveway

Clean your driveway thoroughly, fill any cracks, then apply sealer with a squeegee or brush on a dry day between 50-85°F for best results.

1. Pick Perfect Sealing Weather. Plan your sealing project for a day with temperatures between 50-85°F and no rain expected for 48 hours. Avoid windy days that can blow debris onto wet sealer. Early morning start times work best to avoid afternoon heat.
2. Clear the Slate. Remove all vehicles, furniture, and debris from the driveway. Sweep thoroughly to remove loose dirt and leaves. Use a leaf blower for stubborn debris in cracks and along edges.
3. Banish Oil and Grime. Scrub oil stains with dish soap and hot water, or use a commercial degreaser. For stubborn stains, apply the cleaner and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely.
4. Blast Away All Dirt. Use a pressure washer with 3000+ PSI to deep clean the asphalt. Work in sections, keeping the nozzle 12-18 inches from the surface. Pay extra attention to areas with embedded dirt or algae. Allow 24 hours for complete drying.
5. Seal Cracks Before Sealing. Use asphalt crack filler or patching compound for cracks larger than 1/4 inch. Clean out loose debris from cracks first, then apply filler slightly above surface level. Smooth with a putty knife and let cure according to manufacturer directions.
6. Protect Surrounding Surfaces. Protect concrete sidewalks, garage floors, and landscaping by applying painter's tape along all edges where you don't want sealer. Press tape edges down firmly to prevent sealer from bleeding underneath.
7. Mix Sealer Perfectly. Open sealer containers and stir with a paint stick for 2-3 minutes. Sealer ingredients separate during storage, so proper mixing is crucial for even coverage and color. Don't shake the container as this creates air bubbles.
8. Start at the Far End. Begin at the end farthest from your exit point so you don't seal yourself in. Pour sealer in a line across the width of the driveway, then use a squeegee or brush to spread it evenly in thin, overlapping strokes.
9. Spread Thin and Even. Seal 4-foot wide sections at a time, maintaining a wet edge to avoid lap marks. Apply sealer in the direction of the driveway's slope when possible. Keep your application tool moving to prevent puddles from forming.
10. Double Down for Durability. Most driveways benefit from two thin coats rather than one thick coat. Wait 4-8 hours between coats, depending on temperature and humidity. The first coat should be completely dry and not tacky before applying the second.
11. Remove Tape and Tools. Remove painter's tape while the final coat is still slightly wet to prevent peeling. Clean tools immediately with soap and water. Dispose of empty sealer containers according to local regulations.
12. Let It Fully Cure. Keep vehicles and foot traffic off the driveway for 24-48 hours minimum. Full cure takes 30 days, during which the sealer will continue to harden and darken slightly. Avoid parking in the same spots repeatedly during this period.