Installing a new driveway or repairing a few cracks? According to experts, these are the best driveway sealers to tackle any project.
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Sealing a driveway, also called “driveway seal coating,” is an important step to prevent cracking and crumbling carports. Driveway sealer is a tar-like, rubberized liquid that adheres to concrete and asphalt surfaces like garage floors. It’s a must for anyone who wants to keep a driveway well-maintained. Sealers not only help driveways look new again, but they also protect against weather and vehicle damage.
Best Overall Driveway Sealer
Black Diamond Dominator Clear Acrylic Sealer
Pros:
- Sealant lasts two to three years
- Protects against oils spills, stains and weather
- Easy spray-on application
- Low VOCs
- Covers 250-400 square feet per gallon
Cons:
- Not as glossy as some reviewers expected
When it comes to finding the best driveway sealer, homeowners can’t go wrong with Black Diamond Dominator clear acrylic sealer. This fast-dry driveway sealant uses low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), has no harsh odors and covers up to 400 square feet per gallon. It protects from UV rays and protects against oil stains, spills and water penetration. There’s not much else you can need from the best driveway sealer, and the price point is very fair to boot.
Size: 1-, 2.5, or 5-gallons | Finish: High, low, or stone gloss | Drying time: 1 hour
Best Driveway Sealer for Asphalt
Latex-ite Airport Grade Asphalt Driveway Filler
Pros:
- No second coat required
- Coal-tar-free and low VOCs
- Non-skid properties
Cons:
- Requires two days to cure
Latex-ite Airport Grade Asphalt Driveway Filler is emulsion-based, enhanced with polymers for strength and flexibility to fill cracks and holes. This one-coat formula sealer comes in a pail that covers up to 400 square feet. It’s formulated for all driveway conditions, making it the top choice for sealing an asphalt driveway.
Size: 4.75 gallons | Dry Time: 4 hours for foot traffic, 24 hours for car traffic | Coverage: 400 sq. ft.
Best Driveway Sealer for Concrete
Foundation Armor SX5000 Concrete Sealer
Pros:
- Lasts up to 10 years
- Approved by the DOT (Department of Transportation)
- Protects against snow, ice, road salts, mold, mildew and stains
- Won't trap water or moisture below the surface
Cons:
- Must be used on sealant-free surfaces
Foundation Armor SX5000 is a solvent-based silane-siloxane sealer and water-repellent that makes concrete driveways much more resilient. Unlike similar silane-siloxane sealers, Armour SX5000 provides 10 times more active materials and a natural, unsealed look. A five-gallon container covers approximately 875 square feet and can be applied with a paint sprayer or roller.
Size: 5 gallons | Dry Time: 1 hour to touch | Finish: Clear/matte/natural
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Best Driveway Sealer for Cracks
Red Devil Acrylic Asphalt Crack Filler Sealant
Pros:
- Adheres to damp surfaces
- Mimics the look and texture of asphalt
- Weatherproof and crack-resistant
Cons:
- Must be followed up with brush-on sealant for best results
In cases where your asphalt driveway looks old, cracked and eroded, Red Devil acrylic asphalt crack filler sealant is the sealer of choice. Colored and textured to match existing asphalt, it fills in all the nooks and crannies on asphalt or blacktop driveways. Easily apply it with the convenient, precise application tip. Investing in a 12-pack ensures you’ll always have some on hand for a quick fix.
Size: 10.1 fluid oz. | Dry time: 30 mins (tack free) 72 hours for full cure | Coverage: 55 linear feet
Best Eco-Friendly Driveway Sealer
Eco Advance Concrete and Masonry Siloxane
Pros:
- Doesn't harm plants, people or pets
- Repels water for up to five years
- American made
Cons:
- May require more than one coat
When the earth is a concern, turn to Eco Advance Concrete and Masonry Siloxane. Apply it after prepping the concrete using a standard garden pump sprayer for a thin coating that resists water damage, oil, stains, mold, mildew, de-icing salts and pool chemicals. Better yet, the non-flammable formula does not harm the landscape or plants.
Size: 128 fluid oz. | Coverage: 240 sq. ft. | Dry time: 2 hours
Best Value Driveway Sealer
Masonry Defender Penetrating Concrete Sealer
Pros:
- Three-year warranty
- Causes water to bead on the surface
- Protects against freezing and thawing damage
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- May stain lighter surfaces
If you’re looking to keep your concrete driveway looking new for a reasonable price, Masonry Defender Penetrating Concrete Sealer is a great choice.
Providing a long-lasting invisible coat, this water-based, eco-friendly sealer protects against cracking and water damage. A one-gallon container ($35) supplies roughly 90 to 150 square feet of coverage when applied with a low-pressure pump-up garden sprayer.
Size: 1 or 2.5 gallons | Coverage: up to 150 sq. ft. per gallon | Dry time: 2-6 to dry, 24 hours for driving
Best Concrete Driveway Sealer for All Climates
Ghost Shield Siloxa-Tek 8500
Pros:
- DOT (Department of Transportation) approved
- UV stable formula
- Covers up to 250 square feet per gallon
- Resists rain and prevents freeze-thaw damage
Cons:
- Pricey
Siloxa-Tek 8500 protects in extremely hot and cold climates. This sealer effectively repels water and moisture, preventing mold, mildew, damage from salts, freezing and thawing. A one-gallon container covers roughly 125 square feet and dries clear. Apply two coats with a roller, brush or low-pressure sprayer for maximum protection.
Size: 1 gallon | Coverage: 250 sq. ft. | Dry time: 6 hours (to touch)
Best Water-Based Driveway Sealer
Black Jack Drive-Maxx
Pros:
- Lasts up to 10 years
- Fills cracks and prevents future damage
- No mixing or stirring needed
Cons:
- Requires two coats
Designed to improve the durability and look of asphalt driveways, Black Jack Drive-Maxx is rubberized to prevent future cracks. Existing cracks are easily filled thanks to a formula that contains sand particles—no need to add filler before sealing. Because it protects existing asphalt, complicated concrete maintenance isn’t necessary to keep the driveway looking top-tier.
Size: 4.75 gallons | Coverage: 350 sq. ft. | Dry time: 2 hours
Best Easy-to-Apply Driveway Sealer
Henry Asphalt Sealer
Pros:
- Just stir and apply
- Relatively inexpensive
- Flexible rubber resists cracking over time
Cons:
- Requires two days to fully cure
After spending a good amount of time cleaning concrete surfaces, it’s hard to get the motivation to spend hours applying sealer. Luckily for us, Henry asphalt sealer is so simple to apply that most DIYers already have all the equipment they need. Simply give it a quick stir and apply it to the driveway using a brush or squeegee for a well-protected, crack-free finish.
Size: 5 gallons | Coverage: Up to 500 sq. ft. | Dry time: 4 hours
What to Look for When Buying Driveway Sealers
According to Nolan, when selecting a driveway sealer, consider one that fits your needs and abilities. “Some sealers are more complicated to apply, or harder to source, than others.” Despite the enormous selection of brands and finishes available, there are three types of driveway sealers.
- Asphalt emulsion: The most common driveway sealer is asphalt emulsion, which has the same components and binders as your asphalt driveway. It’s easy to apply and integrate with your current driveway.
- Latex acrylic sealers: Latex acrylic sealers are expensive but popular because they last longer and stand up to UV radiation. Acrylic sealers can be tricky to install yourself, so you may want to consider hiring a professional. The good news is, they can last between 5-10 years, which is up to five years longer than a traditional sealant job.
- Coal tar sealant: The number-one sealant to stay away from is coal tar sealant. Coal tar is a carcinogen and not good for the environment. If you have pets or children who like to draw on your asphalt driveway with chalk, avoid a coal tar sealant.
How To Seal a Driveway
There are several steps to applying sealers, though the process itself is simple enough to be a weekend project, says Nolan. “After cleaning your driveway and clearing away all debris, you’ll pour the sealant out along the length of the driveway. Then, with a squeegee tool or brush, smooth the sealant over the surface of your driveway in one even coat.
Squeegees leave a thinner layer of sealant, while brushes leave a thicker layer that can stand up to more abuse (but use more product). After covering your driveway, let the sealant cure, which takes anywhere from an hour to several days, depending on the sealant you’re using.” Save a few bucks by using painting tools you already have lying around to seal the deal.
How We Found the Best Driveway Sealers
As home improvement enthusiasts and DIYers, we take pride in our reporting—especially when it comes to home projects. We combed through over 50 driveway sealers available at Walmart, Ace Hardware and Amazon. After reviewing ratings and researching the different reasons our audience might want to seal their driveway, we were able to narrow our list down to our top 20.
From there, we perused hundreds of user reviews to ensure that our picks performed as expected and to further define which driveway sealer is best for every application. After all is said and done, we’re confident that these 10 are the best driveway sealers on the internet.
FAQ
How much should it cost to seal a driveway?
Professional driveway sealing typically costs between $0.15 and $0.30 per square foot, or $100 to $400 total for most homes.
What type of driveway sealer is best?
Coal tar and asphalt emulsions are popular for asphalt driveways, while acrylic or epoxy sealers work best on concrete surfaces.
What time of year is best to seal a driveway?
Late spring through early fall is ideal, when temperatures stay above 50°F and rain is minimal.
How much will 5 gallons of driveway sealer cover?
A 5-gallon bucket generally covers 250 to 500 square feet, depending on surface texture and porosity. Check the product label for specific details.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a DIY expert, I grew up on a rural self-sufficient homestead property where I learned the skills to build my own home from the ground up, including sealing my own driveway. I have a passion for finding practical DIY solutions to everyday problems.
Emily Way is an associate shopping editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece.
Way consulted Tom Nolan, the founder of All Star Home, a home improvement company that helps individuals transform their houses into the homes of their dreams. He has a background in building and investing in several businesses that solve the challenges of homeownership.
Way also consulted Roman Smolevskiy, a veteran general contractor and the owner of A+ Construction & Remodeling. He strives to ensure homes and their surroundings stand the test of time.
