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Concrete Driveway Sealing Guide

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This comprehensive guide teaches homeowners how to properly seal a concrete driveway to protect it from wear and weather damage. You will learn how to prepare the surface, repair cracks, and apply a professional-grade sealer for a long-lasting finish.

Safety Warnings

  • Wear chemical-proof gloves and protective eyewear to avoid skin and eye irritation from sealants.
  • Ensure good ventilation during application.

Tools Needed

Pressure washer — 3,000 psi
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Squeegee — long-handled
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Phillips #2 — Cross-head driver for tightening and loosening screws
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Paint roller — half-inch nap
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Materials

Concrete sealer — silicone-based or waterproofing(1 gallon per 100-200 sq ft)
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Concrete crack sealant — polyurethane(as needed)
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Backer rod — compressible foam(as needed)
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Painter's tape — standard(1 roll)
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Steps

1
Clear the driveway of vehicles and debris. Use a pressure washer to clean the surface fully, removing all dirt, oil, and grease to ensure the sealer bonds properly.
2
Allow the concrete surface to dry completely. For outdoor projects, ensure there is no rain in the forecast for the week and that temperatures remain between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
3
Prepare cracks and expansion joints. For gaps wider than 1/2 inch, press a foam backer rod into the joint, leaving approximately 1/8 inch of space at the top. Use painter's tape to mask off the edges of the joints for clean lines.
Painter's tape Backer rod Concrete joint Press down Insert backer rod and mask edges before filling cracks.
4
Fill the prepared cracks and joints using a polyurethane concrete crack sealant. Force the sealant deeply into the joint using a caulk gun, ensuring no gaps remain along the edges. Peel away the painter's tape while the sealant is still wet.
Tape Backer rod Sealant Force deeply Fill cracks with polyurethane sealant above the backer rod.
5
Apply the first coat of concrete sealer using a brush, roller, or garden sprayer. Spread the liquid evenly to saturate the concrete without allowing the product to pool.
6
Apply a second coat of sealer approximately 10 minutes after the first coat, before the first layer has a chance to dry.
7
Allow the sealer to cure according to the manufacturer's directions. Avoid walking on or parking vehicles on the driveway for at least 24 hours to prevent scuffs or damage.

Pro Tips

  • Apply two thin coats instead of one heavy coat for a smoother, more durable finish.
  • Wait at least 30 days before sealing new concrete to ensure it has completely cured.

When to Call a Professional

For large cracks, sunken sections, or driveway drainage issues, consult a concrete contractor before sealing.

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