The Best Driveway Sealers
For people who have a driveaway in their yards, a layer of driveaway sealer or seal coat can help you to protect it from water damage and damage from sun rays.
Therefore, it is a simple way to extend the lifespan of your pavement without too much of a hassle.
If you do it regularly once a year, or once in two years, you can completely reduce the appearance of cracks caused by freezing or UV rays.
Some of the driveaway sealers come with the guaranteed years in which the cracks shouldn’t appear, but those can come with a higher price tag.
However, to ensure the best protection from a product, you should always follow the guidelines on the products.
To help you find the best driveaways sealer, we reviewed ten sealers.
Keep on reading and find the best one for your needs.
Highest Rated Driveway Sealers (by Customer Reviews)
- 1LastiSeal Concrete Stain & Sealer
- 2Portable Asphalt Direct Melter and Applicator
- 3NanoPave Hardscape Sealer
- 4Hotbox 10 2-in-1 Asphalt Melter Applicator
- 5MasonrySaver All-Purpose Heavy Duty Water Repellent
- 6Rainguard International Blok-Lok Sealer
- 7Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer From Black Diamond Stoneworks
- 8Penetrating Clear Solvent-Based Silane-Siloxane Concrete & Masonry Sealer
- 9EnduraSeal 100% Acrylic “Wet Look” Semi Gloss Concrete Sealer Solvent Base
- 10ToughCrete Concrete Sealer
1
LastiSeal Concrete Stain & Sealer
This product is a deep-penetrating sealer that comes with the 15-years guarantee protection from water damage.
You can use it to protect outdoor and indoor concrete from color stains, water and, deterioration over time.
It is suitable for concrete decks, sidewalks, basement, lobbies, malls, hallways, etc.
The application is quick and easy, with a spray-on mechanism.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- No odors
- Water-based
- Easy to use
Cons
- High price tag
Jake's TakeWith a water-based formula and a wide range of protection, this product is highly effective for your driveaway.
It is worth investing in, because of the performance and straightforward application.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Portable Asphalt Direct Melter and Applicator
This portable unit is something that comes in handy for people having large yards and pavements.
It has the capacity of ten gallons and serves to help you melt and apply the asphalt in minutes.
The dual levers make it easier for you to control it even with one hand.
The item weighs 160 pounds, and it has wheels.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Time-saver for pavement
- Easy to maneuver
- Gas-powered
Cons
- During the wind, it might be difficult to maintain the lit
Jake's TakeIf you need something to help you get the job then, this machine is worth your attention.
It is easy to use and has a decent capacity.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
NanoPave Hardscape Sealer
The Nano Pave sealer features a water-based and VOCs-free formula.
This sealer can work as a quick fix for the damaged pavement, or you can use it for protection.
It works without any difference on the wet and damp surfaces and has a temperature application range of 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once applied, the formula is stain, crack, and blush-resistant.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Nano-polymer sealer technology
- Eco-friendly
- Ready to use formula
Cons
- Moderate semi-gloss finish
Jake's TakeThis sealer works for flagstone, decorative rock and any style of pavement on your patio.
It is easy to use and works provide superb protection.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Hotbox 10 2-in-1 Asphalt Melter Applicator
This asphalt melter from Hotbox features a patent-pending Heatguide.
The unit heats up quickly and has an anti-clog valve and a convenient leak guard.
The melter is easy to use, due to foldable handles, flexible hose and easy-to-roll wheels.
The capacity is 10 gallons of hot rubberized crack sealant.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Comes with the temperature gauge
- Has a gas regulator and spark striker
Cons
- Takes time to melt the asphalt
Jake's TakeThis machine is easy to use, and even a person with no experience can use it.
The design is convenient, so there is a lower risk of uneven application and cracks.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
MasonrySaver All-Purpose Heavy Duty Water Repellent
This sealer comes with a 7-year warranty on vertical surfaces.
It is suitable for driveways, brick walls, or any concrete surfaces.
The formula protects from de-icing salts, it is non-glossy, and 100% Vapor permeable.
You get five gallons of product in one bottle.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Fungus resistant
- All-purpose product
- Deep penetration of up to 1/4 inch
Cons
- Sometimes can make bricks look discolored
Jake's TakeTo avoid bricks discoloration, make sure to spray it evenly across the entire surface.
The application is easy and the performance is great.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Rainguard International Blok-Lok Sealer
This Rainguard sealer comes with the 5-year warranty.
It is ready to use and it won’t make the surface appear yellow or altered in any way.
The formula is water-repellant but highly permeable and eco-friendly.
It contains low concentration VOCs and has no odors or cancer-causing ingredients.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Odor-free
- Easy spray-on application
Cons
- The sprayer can get clogged
Jake's TakeThis water-repellent formula works well for the variety of masonry surfaces.
The formula repels water but allows moisture to escape, so there is no risk of fungus and molds.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer From Black Diamond Stoneworks
This Stoneworks sealer has an elegant wet look and won’t darken the majority of surfaces.
It can resist chemicals and protect exposed aggregate, stamped, colored or decorative surfaces.
The formula is water-based and can be used for indoor and outdoor surfaces.
The product is available in multiple sizes.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Quick-drying time
Cons
- Not suitable for polished stone
Jake's TakeThis wet-look coating provides beautiful shine and can be applied in minutes.
Just make sure to clean the surface thoroughly.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
Penetrating Clear Solvent-Based Silane-Siloxane Concrete & Masonry Sealer
The sealer from Foundation Armour comes in a bottle of five gallons and provides 10-year protection.
The formula resists cracking, de-icing salts, won’t fade, flake or turn yellow over the years.
It can penetrate up to two inches on the surface, both outdoor and indoor.
The product is mold, mildew, and fungus-resistant.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Ready-to-apply formula
- Doesn’t leave a visible film on the surface
- Can last up to 10 years
Cons
- No damp surface application
Jake's TakeThe formula in this one is long-lasting without the slippery feel.
It is UV-stable and doesn’t change the original look of the surface.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
EnduraSeal 100% Acrylic “Wet Look” Semi Gloss Concrete Sealer Solvent Base
This EnduraSeal product gives a long-lasting wet look on the surface.
The formula won’t turn yellow over time.
The product offers great value for the money, as one gallon can cover approximately 150-300 square feet.
You can use it on stained, colored, stamped, and exposed aggregate, pavers, terrazzo, stones, and stained concrete surfaces.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Wide range of use
- Great value
- Yellow-free formula
Cons
- Complex guidelines
Jake's TakeThis EnduraSeal product works flawlessly, but make sure to follow the guidelines exactly.
The application is easy when you understand the guidelines, and it is a cost-effective item.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
ToughCrete Concrete Sealer
This Toughcrete sealer prevents spalling and surface degrading.
The formula is water-repelant, non-toxic, non-flamable, non glossy and salt resistant.
This is a siloxane penetrating sealer that provides 10+ years of superb protection.
You can use it for driveways, walkways, pool decks, patio, chimney, bricks, outdoor fireplace sealers, cinder blocks, etc
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Deep-penetrating formula
- Budget-friendly
- 10+ years protection
Cons
- Can be slippery if applied too thick
Jake's TakeThis item is a budget-friendly and versatile option, which you can find purpose all around the house.
On top of everything, this one doesn’t provide a glossy finish.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Driveway Sealers Buying Guide
Choosing a sealer for your driveaway is not just a matter of aesthetics.
The right sealer can protect your driveaway and extend its life.
Therefore, you should think about investing in the concrete sealer, because once you apply it, there could pass many years until you will have to redo it.
Our buying guide will focus on factors and elements that characterize a suitable sealer, but also the reason why you should apply it and how to do that properly.
First of all, let’s talk about sealers in general.
What is a Driveaway Sealer?
If you have never used a sealer before, here is why you should think about it.
Driveaways can withstand a lot of traffic and various weather conditions, which can cause cracks and breakage.
That is where a sealer can help.
A sealer is a topcoat layer for asphalt-based pavements.
It is a decorative layer as well but also protects the surface.
It penetrates the pavement and literally seals the formula.
An easier way to prevent repairs is to apply a sealer.
Your pavement can keep the fresh and new look for years and stays intact even when exposed to direct sunlight, hard pressure, ice, and rain.
What Happens if you Get a Wrong Sealer?
The wrong and poor quality sealer can speed up the deterioration of the driveway.
On the other hand, it can start peeling off quickly, leaving the surface and uneven.
Some may cause it to look blotchy or yellow.
Therefore, keep reading to understand how to choose the correct sealer.
Outdoor and Indoor Sealers
A rule of thumb is that water-based sealers are safe for indoor use.
For outdoor use, you can pick solvent sealers.
Avoid solvent sealers for indoor because they could be flammable and emit toxins.
Coverage
To determine which sealer to get and how much it will cost you, you should know the size of the area.
The majority of sealers come with the technical specifications.
For example, one gallon of a product on average can cover 250 square feet of pavement.
Therefore, take the total square coverage of your driveaway and divide it with 250. The result will be the number of gallons of product needed to cover the whole area.
Types of Sealers
There are more categories of driveway sealers.
Acrylic sealers provide firm film on the surface and are the most effective, durable and they come in different forms and formula variations.
For example, styrene-acrylic is a cheaper form and doesn’t perform well in the sunlight.
If you want high quality and durable sealer, we suggest investing in pure acrylic resin.
It is completely yellow-free and can last for many years, sometimes even a decade.
Other alternatives include polyurethanes, epoxies and penetrating resins.
They can cost you more than acrylic resin, but also provide a slippery feel to the pavement.
Those are less breathable and sturdier coats, so the mold and mildew can develop.
Significant Factors
You want your sealer to be safe, look good and perform well.
Those are the three primary factors that determine the best sealer for you.
Safety
Slippery sealers are not the best choice.
They might not be slippery in dry weather, but check the reviews on how the sealers perform in the rain.
Sealers must meet standards for providing enough friction, but the measurements are the result of experiments on dry surfaces.
Something to have in mind when getting a sealer is that the glossier the sealer is, the bigger are the chances for slippery.
Also, if the sealer is thick, you might experience slipping.
Thinner and semi-gloss sealers are a better choice.
But, if you still want a high-gloss sealer, you can cover the sealer layer with grit or anti-skid additive to prevent slipperily.
Look
As the appearance is significant when choosing a sealer, you should first determine how you want a driveaway to look.
There are different finishes – matte, satin, high-gloss, semi-gloss or no gloss.
For example, solvent-based sealers can achieve a high gloss or glossy finish.
Water-based product has a semi-gloss or matte finish, and the penetrating sealers come without gloss.
The level of gloss is expressed with a number from 0 to 100, where 100 is high-gloss.
Therefore, you can check product specifications to see how glossy the sealer is.
When it comes to the color, solvent-based sealers can darken the pavement color a bit.
Additionally, more solid sealers can result in wet-look, which many people find attractive.
Water-based sealers have less impact on the pavement color.
Penetrating products don’t affect the color at all.
In general, it is a matter of personal preference.
If you would like a wet-look for your decorative patio, pick a solvent-based product.
If you like how your driveaway looks right now, you might want to consider getting a water-based or penetrating sealer.
Additionally, compare other factors such as durability, ease of application, etc. to get the right product.
Durability
The average durability of the sealer is 1-3 years, but high-quality sealers claim to have optimal performance for up to 10 years.
The weather conditions affect the lifespan of a sealer.
If your driveway is exposed to the sun for many days of the year, invest in more quality products to save yourself from the trouble of reapplying it every year.
Higher-end sealers provide optimal performance in all weather conditions, so you can easily calculate which one pays off in the long run.
Application of a Sealer
The sealer should is a simple and effective way to protect and boost the look of your pavement.
So, some of them are easy to apply with a sprayer or roller.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines in the application, paying attention to how many drying hours the product requires.
In general, solvent-based sealers are better to apply with a spray, and water-based with a roller.
Once you finish the application, carefully read the maintenance instruction.
Sometimes, you will have to clean it with soap and water and reapply the product if you notice some bold spots.
Conclusion
Driveaway sealers are a very effective way to protect your pavement.
They are easy to apply with a spray or roller and can withstand many years of various weather conditions and pressure.
Solvent-based and water-based sealers are the most common.
Water-based are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, while solvent -bases are only outdoor.
Water-based provides a less glossy finish compared to solvent-based.
The third category is penetrating sealer, with no gloss at all.
When picking a sealer, make sure to know the size of the area you want to cover and get enough products.
Follow the application guidelines and maintenance.
Investing in high-quality sealer can result in less maintenance, better look, and longer lifespan.
What's your take on Driveway Sealers? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
