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What Kind of Paint Do I Use on My Driveway?

There are several reasons you might want to paint or seal your concrete or asphalt driveway. Painted drives appear neat and clean, and are aesthetically pleasing. However, paint also has a practical function. It serves to protect the concrete's surface from stains and penetrating agents such as dirt and oil that can degrade the surface. Choosing paint depends on both your driveway and your style, but it is possible to marry the two and finish with a pleasing result.
  1. Acrylic

    • More costly than some other options, acrylic-based paints have a longer lifespan than their less expensive counterparts. It is just one of the options available for those with an asphalt driveway. Acrylic paints and sealers are impervious to sun exposure and air, and do not absorb stains. They are flexible as well, which means they move with the asphalt as it expands and contracts throughout the seasons.

    Coal Tar

    • These are paints that are manufactured using refined coal tar. They do not become brittle after being exposed to oil drippings and sunlight the way an untreated asphalt surface does. Coal tar paint also cannot be dissolved by gasoline. These are all elements to which your driveway will likely be exposed day in and day out. Coal tar sealers are not as costly to purchase and apply as acrylics.

    Epoxy Paints

    • These offer a wide range of tintable colors, as well as basic ready-mixed colors, for painting concrete driveways. Epoxy paints also contain acrylics, and are strong, durable and flexible. They do not require a primer to be laid down first. They resist oil and rubber stains, and hot tire marks. They also boast ease of use and quick drying times, and can be applied to a driveway with a standard paint roller.

    Emulsified Asphalts

    • Often, driveways are sealed with an ineffective mix of emulsified asphalt, which is essentially just another layer of the binding agent used in the driveway itself. It easily becomes brittle and crumbly with use and exposure to the elements, and has to be replaced frequently to protect the driveway.