How to Seal coat Your Asphalt Driveway

To extend the life of a typical asphalt driveway is far easier and cheaper to do than you might think. Follow these easy step by step instructions and you too will soon agree that it was not a difficult job, not to mention how much better your property will look.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Quality squeegee
• Quality seal coat
• Stir stick
• String or rope
• Warn shoes and pants

1. For the seal coating to stick to your drive, you must first clean it by sweeping and then spraying with water to remove all matter possible.

2. 
    
   Easiest way to fill cracks is to use liquid crack filler

   Obtain crack filler and apply to each and every crack. Make sure the filler penetrates down into the cracks.

3. In lieu of using a tube of crack filler, you may find it more desirable to use a liquid crack filler and simply pour it on each crack. Allow to dry before moving forward.

4. If you are satisfied with your crack filling activities and your driveway is free from all rocks and excess dirt, then you are ready to start the application of the seal coat material. Determine how many square feet your driveway covers. Divide this number by about 300 to get the number of gallons of seal coat you need to do the job without returning to the store to pick up more.

5. 
    
   Normal (almost) 5 gallon containers

   Here are some examples of seal coat available at most stores. Usually, seal coat comes in 4.75 gallon pails (almost 5 gallon each). Each pale covers about 250 - 400 square feet. The coverage varies due to the condition of the asphalt being sealed. Some asphalt may be courser than others and therefore absorbs more liquid, cutting your coverage significantly.

6. Using the stir stick, stir your first pail of liquid until it is properly mixed up.

7. Pour out a workable amount of liquid in the middle of the driveway.

8. 
    
   Typical squeegee applicator

   Using a squeegee, begin spreading the liquid out evenly in a small area about 10 square feet. Just drag the tools across the surface and return it towards the original spot you started. Move along the driveway by going across it not lengthwise.

9. If you come up to a concrete or other barrier, simply take additional time to spread the liquid or use a paint brush for tight areas.

10. Be sure to stop at the end of your driveway. Seal coat jobs simply do not look as professional as they can if you don't stop at this point and keep your stopping point a straight line too.

11. If you have completely sealed your drive, then throw the applicator away or clean it solvent. It will not work as well again after it has dried plus they are relatively cheap to buy again when needed.

12. 
     
    Now your driveway can turn away rain and other driveway damaging liquids

    Place a string or rope or other barrier tide to two objects, one either side of your drive to keep vehicles and people off of your artistic work until it has completely dried. This can take 2 - 3 days.

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Tips & Warnings

• Seal coat liquid is hard to remove from your clothing and shoes. Wear old ones.
• Seal coat liquid can burn your eyes and sometimes skin. Do not get it into your eyes. Remove it from your skin asap.

Resources

• Additional Help