Driveway sealer has both practical and decorative purposes. After application, the sealer forms a smooth and uniform surface which is not prone to staining or cracking like bare concrete is. It provides a way to add a splash of color in place of the plain gray color of conventional concrete driveways. As far as cost effectiveness goes, concrete driveway sealer is far cheaper than installing driveway pavers like cobblestone. Before sealer can be applied, users must first prepare the surface.
Step 1: Preparation
The best time to apply a coat of driveway sealer is in the summer when the weather is hot and dry. Users should wait for a day in which rain is not anticipated for at least three days. During and after application, the outdoor temperature should stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit for two days.
Block off access to the driveway to prevent passerby’s from stepping on the surface. Clean the concrete thoroughly using a power washer to remove dirt and vehicle oils. To allow for best adhesion, scrub the driveway using concrete stripper to completely remove any trace of oil which could prevent the driveway sealer from sticking properly. Rinse once more and let dry. Strips of wood can be set along the edges of the driveway to contain the sealer as it is spread.
Inspect the driveway for any cracks and repair as necessary. Repairs on small cracks can be made using concrete patch.
Step 2: Application
It typically takes two to three gallons of driveway sealer to coat an entire driveway. It is best applied using a long handled brush (or better yet, use a driveway squeegee). Pour the sealer in the center of the driveway and push it outward toward the edges. Let the weight of the brush do the work- do not push forcefully. Since most driveways are inclined, start at the top of the incline and work your way down. Once the sealer comes within 1 foot of the edges, use a hand brush to finish it off. The sealer should be spread fairly thin, as a thick coat will be prone to impressions and bubbling. A thin coat is all that is needed to form a seal.
Multiple coats should be applied in the same day in very thin layers. Applying another coat a day or more later can result in varying colors. Most driveway sealers are ready to use in about 2 days.
