DIY Asphalt Sealing

DIY Asphalt Sealing Guide: Cleaning, Crack-Filling, and Seal Coating an Asphalt Driveway

Tools and Materials Needed:

  • Asphalt Cleaning: Push broom, garden hose (or pressure washer as long as you don’t blast too hard), wire stiff-bristle brush, backpack blower, bucket.
  • Crack Filling: Asphalt crack filler if you don’t want to play with fire then (pourable or caulk-style), caulking gun (if using tubes), putty knife, rubber gloves.
  • Seal Coating: Asphalt sealant (asphalt emulsion), squeegee, paint roller with long handle, painter’s tape (optional).
  • Safety Gear: Gloves, old clothes, safety glasses.
  • Optional: Weed Wacker

Prepare and Clean the Driveway

DIY Asphalt Sealing

  1. Clear Debris: Remove moss, leaves, dirt, and loose gravel with a push broom and leaf blower. Trim any weeds or grass growing along the edges and in the cracks. Its imperative you remove moss from asphalt in order for the sealer to adhere.
  2. Sweep Thoroughly: Use a stiff push broom to sweep the entire surface, ensuring no small particles remain. Then blow the entire area off making sure to get most if not all of the dust off.
  3. Tackle Stains: For oil or grease stains (do not use degreaser!), apply an oil spot primer, this can be purchased at any hardware store. Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush, then rinse with a garden hose or pressure washer.
  4. Rinse the Surface: Hose down the driveway to remove all cleaner residue and dirt. If using a pressure washer, keep it on a low-to-medium setting to avoid damaging the asphalt.
  5. Let it Dry: Allow the driveway to dry completely (typically 24 hours, depending on weather).
Cleaning DIY Asphalt Sealing

Fill Cracks

  1. Inspect for Cracks: Walk the driveway and identify all visible cracks. Focus on those wider than a hairline (about 1/8 inch or more).
  2. Clean Cracks: Use a screwdriver or wire brush to remove dirt, debris, and vegetation from inside the cracks. Blow out loose particles with a leaf blower or compressed air.
  3. Apply Crack Filler:
    • For small cracks: Use a pourable asphalt crack filler. Pour it directly into the crack, slightly overfilling it.
    • For larger cracks: Torch down crack filler Crack-Sticks or Use a caulk-style filler with a caulking gun. Squeeze the filler into the crack, then smooth it with a putty knife.
  4. Smooth and Level: Use a putty knife to press the filler into the crack and level it with the surface.
  5. Cure Time: Let the crack filler dry according to the product instructions (usually 24-48 hours). For torch down style it’s about 20 minutes to cool.
Seal Coating DIY Asphalt Sealing

DIY Asphalt Sealing

  1. Check the Weather: Ensure no rain is forecast for at least 24-48 hours. Ideal temperature is above 70°F .
  2. Prep the Edges: Optionally, use painter’s tape to protect areas like sidewalks or garage floors where you don’t want sealant.
  3. Stir the Sealant: Open the sealant bucket and mix it thoroughly with a stick or drill-mounted paint mixer.
  4. Apply the Sealant:
    • Pour a small amount of sealant onto the driveway in a manageable section (e.g., 4×4 feet).
    • Use a squeegee or long-handled soft bristle push/pull brooms to spread it evenly in a thin layer (about 1/8 inch thick). Work in one direction to avoid streaks.
  5. Work in Sections: Continue pouring and spreading, overlapping slightly with the previous section to ensure full coverage.
  6. Let it Dry: Allow the sealant to cure for 24 hours (check the product label). Avoid foot or vehicle traffic during this time.  

Step 4: Final Touches and Maintenance

  1. Inspect the Work: Once dry, check for missed spots or uneven areas. Apply a second coat if needed (follow product guidelines).
  2. Clean Up: Rinse tools with water immediately after use (before the sealant dries). Dispose of empty sealant containers responsibly.
  3. Maintain: Reapply sealant every 2-3 years to extend the driveway’s life. Sweep regularly and address new cracks promptly.

Tips for Success:

  • Work on a cool, cloudy day to prevent the sealant from drying too quickly.
  • Wear old clothes and gloves—sealant stains are tough to remove.
  • For large driveways, consider renting a sealant sprayer for faster application.
  • Aerosol (From Walmart) cans of shout are the best cleaner for your hands, clothes, and shoes.

Here is a link to a time lapse video we made of the process Cleaning, Crack Filling, and Seal coating an asphalt parking lot.

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