Product to Use to Reseal Concrete Driveways

Types of Concrete Sealer

• Manufacturers label all types of concrete sealing and weatherproofing compounds as "concrete sealer." The type of concrete sealer suitable for concrete driveways is usually called "exterior concrete sealer" or "driveway sealer." The designation between interior and exterior is important, because exterior sealers are formulated to withstand heavy traffic and exposure to sunlight and harsh weather conditions. Manufacturers use several coating compounds to produce exterior concrete sealers. Common sealer compounds include acrylic, polyurethane and epoxy coatings. In general, acrylics are the least expensive and thinnest types of concrete sealing compounds.

Appearance

• Concrete driveway sealers usually are available in matte, semigloss and glossy. Semigloss and glossy sealers give concrete surfaces a "wet" appearance. Matte sealers, even though they're dull compared to semigloss and glossy sealers, are shiny compared to unsealed concrete. Semigloss and glossy sealers are generally slipperier than matte sealers.

Slip Resistance

• Homeowners can increase a sealer's slip resistance with additives or through installation techniques. Additives are often available near sealers in retail stores, and should be mixed with concrete sealers immediately before application. Alternatively, many sealer manufacturers blend slip-resistant additives with sealants during the manufacturing process. Installation techniques such as brushing and stamping wet sealant compounds also increase a driveway surface's slip resistance. Homeowners can use nearly any type of stiff-bristled brush or broom to create a nonskid surface texture.

Installation

• Conventional painting tools are sufficient for installing most concrete sealers. Although paint rollers and brushes are the most common tools for sealer application, builders occasionally use sprayers to apply sealer. Power sprayers, however, often apply excessive sealer, and manufacturers sometimes recommend low-pressure spraying tools such as garden pump-sprayers. If sealer is applied by sprayer, builders use a technique called "back-rolling" to evenly distribute sealer. The term "back-rolling" simply refers to smoothing sealer with a paint roller after spraying.