How to Seal a Driveway

A driveway is tormented by every weather condition as well as being saturated by oil spills from vehicles and the occasional paint spill. Sealing a driveway will help protect it and make oil cleanup much easier. The following will help in your efforts in protecting driveway.

Things You'll Need

• Dishwasher detergent
• Water
• Stiff bristled brush
• Hose or pressure washer if available
• Edger
• Broom or blower if available
• Crack filler if necessary
• Concrete sealer
• Push broom, roller or squeegee
• Blocking to prevent someone driving in the drive

Instructions

1. Use your edger to cleanly edge the grass and weeds adjacent to your driveway.

2. Remove any weeds or rocks that may be in the cracks of the driveway.

3. Sweep the driveway well. If possible, use a blower to remove everything.

4. Wash the driveway with dishwasher detergent and water while scrubbing with a stiff bristled brush.

5. Rinse thoroughly.

6. Dry completely.

7. Repair any cracks and allow them to dry in the appropriate time suggested on the filler.

8. Buy a concrete sealer.

9. Stir the sealer and add anything that may be suggested on the sealer (some may suggest water).

10. Pour over part of the driveway.

11. Brush the sealer over the drive with a broom, roller or squeegee to make a thin coating.

12. Continue to apply and brush on the sealer until the entire driveway is sealed.

13. Dry for 24 hours without anyone stepping or driving onto the drive.

14. Apply a second coat of the sealant in the same fashion, repeating Steps 10, 11 and 12.

15. Keep off again for another 24 hours, and then the driveway is sealed and ready for use.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a pressure washer to easily rinse and remove any dirt or clippings from the driveway.

• Perform the sealer job when the temperature is at least 50 degrees and there is no rain in the forecast.

• Wear old clothing when applying the sealer. It may ruin your clothes.