How do you seal an Asphalt Driveway or Parking Lot?

Applying a fresh coat of sealer to an asphalt surface is important for extending the lifespan of a driveway or parking lot. It’s also the simplest task.

Therefore, sealcoating is essential because it protects against weather conditions, wear, and freezing. It also prevents severe damage and deterioration.

To apply sealer to the blacktop, follow a few simple steps.

With a little effort, anyone can master this crucial task and save significantly in the short and long term.

How much time does a driveway require to be sealed?

Sealing a driveway should be no more than a weekend affair—with dry weather and temperatures above 50 degrees required.

Steps for Sealcoating a Driveway

Before starting this task, park in the street since you must wait while the sealant dries up. For a quick-dry sealant, this can take up to an hour, depending on foot activity, or up to 48 hours if you use a two-coat system.

Clean Driveway

Use a broom or leaf blower to remove leaves, acorns, and dust from the driveway’s surface. Before sealing, you can use a degreaser or primer to help clean up and cover up any oil stains. Pull weeds that are visible from between cracks.

If the surface of the driveway is prone to growing moss, use a pressure washer to remove it. To target and kill moss, use a spray bottle of bleach and then use a scraper to take it off the surface.

The driveway must completely dry before sealing and filling in cracks, but starting with a clean surface will guarantee a durable treatment.

Additionally, paving solutions are best to ensure the surface is smooth, free of cracks, and properly prepared before applying sealant.

Patch Cracks and Holes

To repair driveway cracks, use a crack filler for cracks less than 1/2 inch and a driveway patch for holes or cracks greater than 1/2 inch with a definitive boundary.

Avoid overfilling and allow the filler to dry for 4-8 hours before sealing. If using a driveway patch, seal over the top after 4-6 weeks of cured time.

Clean the Driveway and Mix the Sealant

Again, if you have clear skies for the next 24 to 48 hours, you can make the driveway glow. Make sure the driveway’s surface is clean again by using a leaf blower or broom.

Before pouring, Mix the sealant buckets one at a time by tipping them upside down before opening the product.

Pour Sealant

Pour sealant along the driveway’s width, avoiding spills. Use a 45-degree angle squeegee to pull and compress the sealant, ensuring even coverage.

Work back and forth across the width, pause periodically, and manually paint edges with a paintbrush for a finished look.

Give time almost 24 hours to cure the driveway.

Apply a Second Coat

When you look over the dry-sealed surface, some areas may require a second coat for optimal maintenance. A second layer can create a robust seal to protect the surface.

So, apply the second layer in the same manner as the first. Use the empty sealant containers to block off the end of the driveway, and let the surface dry for 24 hours before walking on it. Give rest 48–72 hours before driving on it.