How to Seal the Top of Driveway Pavement

Prepare the Driveway For Sealing

• 1

  Trim grass or foliage along the edge of the driveway to allow sealant to be applied properly all the way to the edges.

• 2

  Scrub all gasoline and oil stains with a driveway cleaner, clean water and a sturdy wire brush. Spray off the area with clean water, using a hose and high-pressure nozzle.

• 3

  Spray the entire driveway with an asphalt cleaner and clean water. Work the cleaner into the surface with a clean push broom and rinse the driveway clean with a stream of water. Pay special attention to cracks where dirt and debris may be stuck.

• 4

  Seal any cracks and fill large holes once the driveway has dried. Use an elastic crack filling compound to fill in cracks and a driveway filler to level out potholes that have formed in the driveway.

Sealing the Driveway

• 5

  Pour half of the container of driveway sealant onto the paved surface, starting at one corner.

• 6

  Push the sealant over the asphalt, using a large rubber squeegee to create an even, thin layer. Work in straight, long vertical lines until the entire driveway has been covered. Walk along the side of the area that has been sealed by holding the squeegee to the side.

• 7

  Apply the second half of the sealant after the first coat has dried, between four and 12 hours after application. Pour the remaining sealant onto the driveway and use a rubber squeegee to cover the driveway in a second coat of thin layers spread perpendicular to the original application. Overlap each pass slightly to ensure that the entire surface is covered.

• 8

  Cordon off the area with construction cones or another obstacle to discourage people from walking or driving on the freshly sealed driveway for 24 to 48 hours, or until the sealant has set and dried completely.