How to Determine a Quality Coating for Your Driveway

Decide what you want to achieve when you are choosing a sealer or top coat. If you want to repair the driveway, you'll need a concrete resurfacer. If you want to seal and protect the driveway, you'll need a sealant that is appropriate for the substrate, such as asphalt or concrete.

Determine whether you want a penetrating sealer or a topical treatment. Penetrating sealers work deep into the concrete and harden the concrete slightly as they dry. Topical sealants provide a glossy, protective layer to the top of the driveway. The latter is better at keeping out stains but also makes the surface more slippery. Asphalt has similar types. Emulsion sealers provide a sealing top coat while liquid asphalt penetrates into the asphalt.

Choose if you want a tinted sealer. Tints are available for exterior and interior use. On driveways, you can surface the driveway with a texture or pattern and have the sealer tinted so it replicates brick, cobblestone or another pattern. Colored asphalt sealers are also available and are applied over black asphalts. They are often marketed as cold asphalt emulsion sealers.

Gather all of your information and take it to a home supply store. Narrow down the types of sealers that fit your needs. Purchase the best sealer that fits your budget. Avoid buying low-grade, economic sealers because they will need reapplication more often.