Find the Best Driveway Sealer for Every Project, According to Experts

9 / 10

Designed to improve the durability and look of asphalt driveways, Black Jack Drive-Maxx is rubberized to prevent future cracks. Existing cracks are easily filled thanks to a formula that contains sand particles—no need to add filler before sealing. Because it protects existing asphalt, complicated concrete maintenance isn’t necessary to keep the driveway looking top-tier.

Pros

• Lasts up to 10 years
• Fills cracks and prevents future damage
• No mixing or stirring needed

Cons

• Requires two coats

10 / 10

After spending a good amount of time cleaning concrete surfaces, it’s hard to get the motivation to spend hours applying sealer. Luckily for us, Henry asphalt sealer is so simple to apply that most DIYers already have all the equipment they need. Simply give it a quick stir and apply it to the driveway using a brush or squeegee for a well-protected, crack-free finish.

Pros

• Just stir and apply
• Relatively inexpensive
• Flexible rubber resists cracking over time

Cons

• Requires two days to fully cure

What to Look for When Buying Driveway Sealers

According to Nolan, when selecting a driveway sealer, consider one that fits your needs and abilities. “Some sealers are more complicated to apply, or harder to source, than others.” Despite the enormous selection of brands and finishes available, there are three types of driveway sealers.

• Asphalt emulsion: The most common driveway sealer is asphalt emulsion, which has the same components and binders as your asphalt driveway. It’s easy to apply and integrate with your current driveway.
• Latex acrylic sealers: Latex acrylic sealers are expensive but popular because they last longer and stand up to UV radiation. Acrylic sealers can be tricky to install yourself, so you may want to consider hiring a professional. The good news is, they can last between 5-10 years, which is up to five years longer than a traditional sealant job.
• Coal tar sealant: The number-one sealant to stay away from is coal tar sealant. Coal tar is a carcinogen and not good for the environment. If you have pets or children who like to draw on your asphalt driveway with chalk, avoid a coal tar sealant.

How To Seal a Driveway

There are several steps to applying sealers, though the process itself is simple enough to be a weekend project, says Nolan. “After cleaning your driveway and clearing away all debris, you’ll pour the sealant out along the length of the driveway. Then, with a squeegee tool or brush, smooth the sealant over the surface of your driveway in one even coat.

Squeegees leave a thinner layer of sealant, while brushes leave a thicker layer that can stand up to more abuse (but use more product). After covering your driveway, let the sealant cure, which takes anywhere from an hour to several days, depending on the sealant you’re using.” Save a few bucks by using painting tools you already have lying around to seal the deal.

Why You Should Trust Us

As a DIY expert, I grew up on a rural self-sufficient homestead property where I learned the skills to build my own home from the ground up, including sealing my own driveway. I have a passion for finding practical DIY solutions to everyday problems.

Emily Way is an associate shopping editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece.

Way consulted Tom Nolan, the founder of All Star Home, a home improvement company that helps individuals transform their houses into the homes of their dreams. He has a background in building and investing in several businesses that solve the challenges of homeownership.

Way also consulted Roman Smolevskiy, a veteran general contractor and the owner of A+ Construction & Remodeling. He strives to ensure homes and their surroundings stand the test of time.

How We Found the Best Driveway Sealers

As home improvement enthusiasts and DIYers, we take pride in our reporting—especially when it comes to home projects. We combed through over 50 driveway sealers available at Walmart, Ace Hardware and Amazon. After reviewing ratings and researching the different reasons our audience might want to seal their driveway, we were able to narrow our list down to our top 20.

From there, we perused hundreds of user reviews to ensure that our picks performed as expected and to further define which driveway sealer is best for every application. After all is said and done, we’re confident that these 10 are the best driveway sealers on the internet.

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