Finding the right driveway sealer for your concrete or asphalt driveway is getting more difficult. The reason is that there are so many different types of sealers on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for your needs.

Fortunately, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the 7 best driveway sealers for both concrete and asphalt driveways.

We’ll explain what to look for in a sealer, provide reviews of our top picks, and give you tips on how to properly apply the sealer to get the maximum protection.

So whether you’re looking for something that will protect against water damage and icy conditions, or just something that will make your driveway look great again, this guide has you covered. And please read our Buying Guide and FAQ at the bottom of the article.

Why do you need to protect your driveway with sealant?

Applying the best driveway sealer will protect your driveway from damage due to harsh weather, freeze-thaw damage, mildew, mold, algae, road salts, and other harmful substances. Over time, small cracks can form on your driveway from inclement weather or spills, and if not properly sealed, mold, mildew, oil spills, and other chemicals can get into those cracks.

This will lead to the disfiguration of your driveway and perhaps the development of even bigger cracks. If you use the best driveway sealer, you can fix these issues that result from weather changes or road spills and make your driveway look sleek and new again.

Because completely replacing a driveway is very expensive, we recommend that you go the cheaper route and just use the best driveway sealer instead.

Driveways mostly come in two different types: concrete and asphalt or blacktop. Certain sealers are only known as designed to work effectively on specific driveway types, so be sure you are picking the right sealer type.

Sealers can be either penetrating or coating/topical. Penetrating sealers seep through your driveway and fill in the gaps and cracks while coating/topical sealers rest on top of your driveway and form a protective layer.

Both sealer types have their pros and cons but for the most part, penetrating sealers do a better job sealing and protecting and last longer. The trade-off is that they are generally more expensive and harder to apply initially.

7 Best Driveway Sealers To Protect Your Concrete and Asphalt – Reviews

• • #1. Henry Company E-Z Stir Driveway Asphalt Sealer – Best For Cracked Asphalt
  • #2. Rust-Oleum Epoxy Blacktop Coating – Best Long Lasting
  • #3. DryWay Water-Repellent Concrete Sealer – Best For Repelling Water
  • #4. MasonryDefender Concrete Sealer De-Icing Protection – Best Budget
  • #5. Black Jack Driveway Filler And Sealer Urethane Blacktop – Best Fast Drying
  • #6. Gardner-Gibson 7545-GA Drive 5 Blacktop Driveway Filler/Sealer – Best Black Finish
  • #7. Foundation Armor Penetrating Solvent Based Sealer 5-Gal.- Best Solvent Based

#1. Henry Company E-Z Stir Driveway Asphalt Filler/Sealer – Best For Cracked Asphalt

If you have a driveway that is made of asphalt, we think the Henry Company sealer is the best asphalt driveway sealer for you.

What you get in this 5-gallon barrel is a black pigmented asphalt filler that fills in small cracks in the driveway up to 1/8 of an inch deep. This filler should be enough for up to 500 square feet of driveway space, which is enough to cover most single-family driveways.

Application of Henry Company is extremely easy: you simply need to mix the solution for about 5 minutes and using a brush or mop apply a thin layer over your driveway.

Then just let it dry for 4 hours or overnight. Make sure to pick a day that is not rainy when you apply this.

While the sealing power, filling capacity, and durability of the Henry Company sealer is not impressive. We did find that water beads up on the sealer after an application but after about six months, the sealer starts losing efficacy.

Where this sealer shines is its ease of application, which is something that is often overlooked. It does not give off any distasteful odors and is VOC-compliant and non-toxic.

Also, the sealer is not too thick or runny, so you get a nice even coating without any even spots. Overall, this is the best driveway sealer if you own an asphalt driveway that is not too damaged or cracked and wants a quick and easy sealing solution.

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#2. Rust-Oleum Epoxy Blacktop Coating – Best Long Lasting

We think Rust-Oleum is the best asphalt driveway sealer if you want something that lasts a long time. Compared to the Henry Company Sealer, Rust-Oleum does a better job sealing and filling in cracks. The trick here is in the application, which is not as easy as Henry Company. Because Rust-Oleum’s product is only 2 gallons, compared to the whopping 5 gallons from Henry Company, you have much less margin of error.

This means you have to apply a much thinner layer of coating over your asphalt. Because there are not many solutions to work with, we recommend you start your project by sealing your big cracks first with a driveway crack filler.

Then apply the coating layer on top with Rust-Oleum. Rust-Oleum is an acrylic-based formula that has a nice strong black finish. It covers around 800 square feet of area if you learn how to apply it without overusing it.

We like the color of the Rust-Oleum which is darker than Henry and match most asphalt better. Rust-Oleum has a 10-year warranty on its product because the company believes in the quality of its product as the best driveway sealer on the market.

In general, we found that it lasts longer than Henry Company’s asphalt product, fills in cracks better, and has a better shade of black. The only bad thing about it is that per gallon, it is quite expensive and if you don’t apply it properly, you could end up wasting a lot of money.

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#3. DryWay Water Repellent Concrete Sealer – Best For Repelling Water

For those of you who have a concrete or brick driveway, the best concrete driveway sealer is DryWay Concrete Sealer if you want a solid performer endorsed by many lawn and driveway care professionals.

DryWay is a penetrating sealer, which means that this sealer acts as a filler as well. The sealer will penetrate deep into your driveway and fill in the pores and crevices inside.

Although it will also fill in gaps and cracks, it is better to use a separate crack filler for that. By sealing your driveway on the inside, you essentially prevent any substance from getting inside your driveway.

This, in turn, blocks the growth of mildew, molds, algae, and bacteria, and prevents the spreading of cracks and disfiguration. This 5-gallon container should cover around 500 square feet of driveway depending on what material you use for your driveway.

And it definitely passes the water bead test on the first application even though we only used a very thin layer. Water beading up on your driveway is a perfect indication that it is properly sealed.

In terms of durability, after polling many professionals in the field and long-term users, we determined that DryWay is the number one choice for a majority of people and generally lasts longer than your average driveway sealer at your local retail store.

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#4. MasonryDefender Concrete Sealer De-Icing Protection – Best Budget

Achieving comprehensive protection against weather-related damage for your driveway can be challenging, but MasonryDefender’s Concrete Sealer with De-Icing Protection is the best budget-friendly solution for sealing your driveway against harsh elements.

This sealant is easy to apply. However, you need to ensure that your driveway is cleaned before applying the sealer. This affordable sealer protects against chemical damage resulting from the frequent use of ice melt-type products that can cause cracking or surface peeling.

Coming in a 1-gallon jug, this robust sealer can treat up to 150 square feet. Apply a single coat with a pump-type sprayer and protect the driveway for up to 5 years. Keep your driveway looking its best with the MasonryDefender Concrete Sealer De-Icing Protection.

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#5. BlackJack Driveway Filler And Sealer Urethane Blacktop – Best Fast Drying

Black Jack Ultra-Max is the best driveway sealer for those who want a fast-drying formula. The base material is made of urethane, which is great for enhanced shelf life. T

he best part about this driveway sealer is that it is basically foot traffic ready in just one hour. While you have to wait many hours and maybe even days for some driveway sealers to dry, the Ultra-Max can be in presentation condition in just an hour.

This is a deal-breaker for some people, who can’t afford to wait around. Of course, this assumes that you have normal drying conditions, which means clear sunny skies and relatively hot outside. Unfortunately, for vehicles to go over it, you must give it at least one full day for it to cure.

The Black Jack Ultra-Max comes in a 4.75-gallon jug. This is enough to cover about 350 square feet of driveway. It has a nice matte finish and is meant to be used on driveways of all types. You can be used on parking lots, gas stations, jogging paths, and all residential driveways.

We like how the BlackJack Ultra-Max is extremely easy to apply as well. You should let new asphalt driveways cure a good few months before applying any kind of sealer.

Also, you should thoroughly clean your driveway first and get rid of all oil stains. Finally, you should remove cracks and holes by filling them up. This ensures a nice clean and smooth surface to work on. Finally, you should apply a very thin coat, as thicker coatings tend to crack and flake.

The user reviews for the BlackJack Ultra-Max are generally very positive. Most people who have tried the product said that it was quite durable and easy to apply, but it requires you to set it upright.

Those who hated the Black Jack probably did not apply it right or mix the product well enough. Most of the negative comments relate to having a lot less coverage than advertised (your fault) and cracking and chipping.

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#6. Gardner-Gibson Drive 5 Blacktop Driveway Filler/Sealer – Best Black Finish

If you want a fresh clean black finish for your driveway, the Gardner-Gibson Drive 5 is certainly a good option. It protects and seals any asphalt and blacktop surface as well as fills in small cracks.

Using the Gardner Drive 5 can certainly bring many more years of useful life to your driveway.

This is a high-performance driveway sealer that is environmentally friendly and mixes quite easily. With the Drive 5, you don’t have to break your back trying to mix it.

In terms of performance statistics, the Gardner Drive 5 certainly lives up to its reputation. It has a 2-hour foot traffic cure time under normal hot conditions. However, a full cure takes 1 or 2 full days.

You should apply this driveway sealer at 65 – 90 degrees F. One jug of Gardner Drive 5 is 4.75 gallons and covers a good 350 square feet of driveway. And this includes two layers of thin coating. If you want this driveway sealer to work properly, you must make sure you take the necessary precautions before applying.

For the first coat, you must thoroughly mix the Drive 5 and apply an even coating layer. It is best to use a squeegee or brush to get that nice and even layer. Of course, you should clean up your driveway beforehand and fill in large cracks.

The Gardner Drive 5 will NOT fill in these cracks for you. However, it will easily take care of the smaller cracks. You should only apply the second coat after the first coat is fully dried.

All in all, this is a great driveway sealer that lasts longer than most competitors. There is little to no cracking after application, as long as you take the time to apply it right. The finish is nice and sleek and the material is not too toxic, unlike other sealers. We still recommend that you keep it out of the reach of children as it is a petroleum-based product.

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#7. Foundation Armor Penetrating Solvent Based Sealer 5-Gal. DOT Approved – Best Solvent Based

The Foundation Armor Sealer is the best sealer for your concrete, brick, or paver project. It is a premium product and it comes at a premium cost. Foundation Armor is a penetrating sealer that is silane-based. It works better than any product we have seen for concrete and brick driveways.

It repels water like none other, it protects your driveway for a longer timeframe, and it is great at filling in cracks. UV rays and water damage through freeze-thaw cycles during the winter are the main reasons why driveways get cracked in the first place.

This 5-gallon sealer provides superior protection from water damage, UV radiation, and deicing salts without leaving an oily residue.

It beads water very well and does a great job at filling in large cracks, which is something not many driveway sealers can do well. We generally find it more durable and effective than DryWay’s concrete and brick sealing product, which says a lot already. We like the finish on this product as well, which gives your driveway a nice non-glossy natural-looking finish.

The solvent-based formula also helps reduce staining from dirt and oil while providing a long-lasting finish with exceptional adhesion.

For added convenience, this product is easy to apply using either a brush or sprayer. A gallon of this sealant covers up to 200 square feet and the finish is clear matte. The final good point is that this product lasts 7 to 10 years.

The only issue is that it is a bit pricier than all the other products, which in our minds is completely justified. If you can find this product at a discount, we would buy it immediately. It is simply the best driveway sealer for concrete, brick, and paver driveways. Since concrete driveways are more expensive and tend to crack easier, you want the best protection possible.

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What to consider when considering the Best Asphalt Driveway Sealer – A Buying Guide

Below are the five main features you need to consider when selecting the best asphalt type sealer.

1. Plain Sealer
2. Asphalt-Based Sealer
3. Coal Tar Sealer
4. Fill and Seal Products
5. Price

1. Plain Sealer for driveways

A plain asphalt driveway sealer is the simplest sealant you can use. There’s nothing more basic than this sealer. It comes in a thick black liquid, mostly made with coal tar or sometimes asphalt cement.

The way to apply it is simple too. Take a paint roller and start rolling the sealer across your driveway. Note that these sealers don’t contain sand, which is an important part of another sealant. So if you are using one of these, you better apply it on surfaces that have very little damage. Also, note that the sealant is not made to fill patch holes and cracks.

2. Asphalt Sealer

We like asphalt-based sealers because they are highly durable. What you need to know is that they’re made with a blend of asphalt cement and a couple of other materials.

These sealants are popular for those who own asphalt driveways. This is because they offer a seamless materials blend. What we like about it is that the sealant has a very long-lasting lifetime. For instance, a single coat can last for about five to six years.

3. Coal Tar Sealer Covers

Coal tar asphalt for driveways is mainly used to cover and repair asphalt. Note that this has been the standard de-factor choice for both asphalt driveways and streets for decades.

What you need to know is that a coal tar sealer is made from sticky coal tar.

We like it for one single point:  it lasts for up to five years on home driveways.

Now the problem with coal tar is they contain Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) which can be carcinogenic. So, you’ll find less and less of this type of sealant on the market. To be honest, we do not advise using it if you can avoid it. Note, it’s been banned in some places.

4. Fill and Seal Products

Fill and seal are products that can be used for many things. These sealers contain sand or sand-like ingredients (like glass in the last couple of years). This type of sealant is great to fill cracks and holes. A really good option for potholes.

5. Price of the Best Asphalt Driveway Sealers

If you’re looking to maintain the look and durability of your asphalt driveway, you’ll want to invest in a professional grade asphalt driveway sealer. Applying this type of sealer can help prevent further cracking and damage, ensuring your driveway lasts for years to come. While it may seem like a costly investment, the price of the best driveway sealer for asphalt varies depending on the size of your driveway.

Expect to pay between $0.25 and $0.65 per square foot for the sealer itself. It’s important to keep in mind that sealing an asphalt driveway can be a DIY project, but it may also be worth considering hiring a professional to ensure the job is done properly. Ultimately, investing in a quality sealant can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for costly repairs or a full driveway replacement.

What to Consider when Choosing the Best Driveway Sealer For Concrete – A Buying Guide 

There are 6 features that you need to consider when considering buying the best driveway sealer for concrete. These are:

1. Cure and Seal Products
2. Penetrating Sealers
3. Mold Inhibitors
4. Surface Effects
5. Application Methods
6. Price of a sealer to protect your driveway

1. Cure and Seal Products

Applying a cure and seal product to protect the driveway from harsh weather conditions and daily wear and tear is a good solution. These products are specifically designed to be applied as soon as you can walk on the surface safely (as soon as the surface is strong enough or dry enough to bear your weight). In essence, applying a sealer to help cure and seal your driveway will promote a harder surface and retain some moisture while the surface does slowly cure.

Nowadays, the standard method used for curing concrete driveways is to wet the surface several times a day for a week (sometimes even more in hot weather conditions). However, cure and seal products can be used as an alternative option to achieve similar and even better results.

Applying the cure and seal product as soon as the new concrete surface will bear weight, it helps promote a more durable surface that can withstand daily traffic. The sealer protects the driveway for up to 3 years, making it a reliable option for those looking to extend the life of their driveway. In conclusion, when sealing a concrete driveway, cure and seal products can provide an excellent solution to protect and extend the life of the surface.

2. Select Penetrating Sealers

Penetrating sealers are the most common type of sealer used for driveways made of concrete. They should not be applied before the concrete has fully cured (this could require you to wait for 28 days – at least). Note that penetrating sealers offer several advantages, including the ability to reduce the risk of cracking due to freezing.

Penetrating sealers bond with the particles in the porous concrete surface to prevent stains and keep water from soaking in. A single application of a penetrating sealer will last from 2 to 5 years, with the best sealers lasting up to 10 years. The longevity of the sealer depends on the quality of the product, but mainly on the local weather conditions, and obviously the manufacturer’s suggestion based on their product formula.

Penetrating sealers can be solvent-based or water-based. Water-based is a more eco-friendly choice for homeowners and professionals alike. What you may want to remember is that the sealers soak into the concrete’s top layer and bond with the surface, preventing water, stains, and chemicals from penetrating. By ensuring that the water is not trapped in your concrete, you reduce the risk of cracking due to water freezing, thus reducing the main root cause of damage to your driveway. Overall, choosing a penetrating sealer for your driveway is a smart investment that will extend its life and improve the appearance of your concrete surface.

3. Choose the Best Driveway Sealers Available with Mold Inhibitors

When it comes to prolonging the life of your concrete driveway, you can benefit from a sealer that acts as a mold repellent. In essence, not only will it protect your driveway from the elements, but also from unsightly mold and mildew. As such, selecting a mold inhibitor sealer won’t change the appearance of your driveway. However, it will avoid the risks of developing molds if you live in a rainy or humid region.

Note that both mold and mildew can alter the look of a concrete surface: Mold tends to leave darkened stains, while mildew causes powdery, whitish stains. Before applying a professional-grade concrete driveway sealer that prevents mold or mildew, any existing staining must be removed. This typically involves scrubbing with a brush and a mold-removing product that contains bleach or detergent.

4. Choose the Best Surface Effects Sealer

Choose a sealer that is specially formulated to protect the surface of your driveway from the elements and other harmful substances that can cause damage over time. Unlike many sealers, you need to select a sealer that won’t change the appearance of your driveway, so you can be sure the sealer will shine through.

What you are looking for is a specialty penetrating concrete sealer that can add varying levels of sheen, such as satin, semi-gloss, and/or high gloss. Gloss sealers, in particular, can enhance the color of overdyed concrete and provide an attractive “wet look”. If you’re working with new concrete, it’s best to wait for 28 days for it to cure and then you can apply a surface effect sealer for optimal results. For existing concrete, ensure that the surface is thoroughly cleaned before using a penetrating sealer for maximum effectiveness.

5. Application Methods for the Best Driveway Sealer For Concrete

To ensure the longevity of your concrete, sealing is an essential task that should be performed on your driveway every two to three years. Applying the driveway sealer is a nice do-it-yourself project, but it is important to be familiar with the different methods to achieve the best results. The simplest and most common way to apply a driveway sealer is by using a standard garden-type sprayer. The prayer allows you to spray and spread the sealing agent evenly across the surface.

Painting rollers or large driveway squeegees can also be used effectively, although some concrete sealers recommend only one specific method. Whatever your choice of tool, it is important to remember to apply the sealer across the entire surface in one go, without starting and stopping. If a partial coat of sealer dries and you attempt to apply more later, there may be visible overlap lines on the finished surface. By sealing your driveway with care, it can last for many years to come.

6. Price for the Best Concrete Driveway Sealer

If you want to make the driveway of your home or business look great and protect it from damage, investing in a quality driveway sealer is essential. A good sealer for your concrete driveway will not only prevent it from becoming stained or discolored by chemicals and oils but will also minimize the damage that can be caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

Note that concrete materials are porous. As such, the expansion and contraction caused by melting and re-freezing in winter can lead to flaking and eventually, cracks. The same will happen in the summer, though this occurs by contracting (at night) and expanding (during hot days).

When shopping for sealers, expect to pay between $0.15 and $0.70 per square foot for the best driveway sealer for concrete. The cost of the sealer will depend on both the amount of coverage per square foot and the porosity of the surface being treated. By investing in the right sealer to do the job, you’ll ensure that your driveway remains strong and beautiful for years to come.

Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sealcoat

http://www.angieslist.com/articles/diy-how-seal-driveway-asphalt.htm

http://www.lowes.com/projects/repair-and-maintain/seal-an-asphalt-driveway/project

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