How to Seal Blacktop Driveways

Blacktop or asphalt driveways are typically sealed to protect material from the effects of sun and water that can cause deterioration. The process of sealing the blacktop or asphalt on a driveway is called sealcoating, which provides a waterproof coating on top of the driveway. You can apply sealcoating to your blacktop driveway to seal cracks, provide a smooth surface and to seal areas of your driveway that have become worn.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Push broom
• Mixing stick
• Paint roller
• Asphalt driveway sealant
• Water hose

1. Clean the surface of your driveway with a push broom to remove loose material.

2. Spray the driveway with a water hose to remove remaining dirt and dust. The sealcoating material will adhere better to a clean surface.

3. Wait for the water to dry before applying the sealcoating.

4. Open a bucket of sealcoating material and mix it thoroughly with a mixing stick.

5. Pour the sealcoating material on a small section of your driveway. The ideal amount to shoot for is enough to cover 15 to 20 square feet at a time.

6. Spread the sealcoating over your driveway with the paint roller. Make sure to use strokes that overlap when spreading the material.

7. Stay off of the driveway for at least two days before walking or driving a vehicle on it. This will allow for the sealcoating material to properly dry.

8. Place the empty buckets at the end of your driveway to prevent others from driving on it.

Tips & Warnings

• Stir the sealcoating in the bucket regularly when applying it to your driveway to maintain consistency. Large cracks in your driveway should be repaired before it is sealed. The amount of sealcoating that you can easily spread will be based on trial and error.
• Do not seal your driveway on a cold or humid day because the sealcoating material may not adhere to the driveway or dry properly.

References

• Sealcoating Asphalt Driveways
• Sealcoating Asphalt How-to Guide