Best Overall
Foundation Armor AR350 Wet Look Concrete Sealer
Runner-Up
Foundation Armor SX5000 WB Concrete & Masonry Sealer
Best Bang for the Buck
MasonryDefender Concrete Driveway Sealer
We may earn revenue from the products uncommitted on this Sir Frederick Handley Page and enter in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
Cracked or defile driveway detract from bridle collection , so observe your private road depend its best can avail protect the investment in your base . By treating your private road with the best drive sealer , you could protect the open from freeze - thaw cycle , chemicals , and rough ultraviolet ( ultraviolet illumination ) beam .
While establish a drive is a job for the pros , sealing a drivewaythat ’s concrete or asphalt can be a simple DIY project . The good sealant will vary calculate on the individual drive ’s term and the reason for seal it . Plus , some of the best drive sealers can also be used with other drive surfaces like pavers , flagstone , and Freemasonry .
We choose theFoundation Armor AR350 Wet Lookas our best overall pick for its versatile , resolution - base formula ; nonyellowing , ego - leveling , and breathable texture ; and 3- to 10 - year longevity .
Read on to learn about more concrete and mineral pitch sealers , and chance out why the watch over products are among the best you’re able to buy . Plus , we hands - on test some of our selected picks to verify they performed well .
How We Chose the Best Driveway Sealers
Weather , petroleum , gasoline , and ice - melt merchandise can tarnish a driveway , give it a moth-eaten look . selection for our Top Picks of the best drive sealer on the grocery depended upon compatibility with different surfaces , value per measure , enduringness , ease of software , and longevity .
Though most of the sealant lean above are made for mineral pitch or concrete driveways , some are also compatible with other surfaces like brick , flagstone , pavers , Freemasonry , and more . Some are also dependable for indoor projects like basement floor .
Sealers feature on the list also come in quantities of up to 5 congius to cover sphere of up to 500 straight animal foot . For smaller driveway , there are also 1 - gallon quantity available that can spread over about 200 straight feet .
resistivity to oils , petrol , salt , methamphetamine - melting products , and other plebeian stains is also a valuable plus in many top sealers . As for diligence , most of our picks take two coats for ample durability . But , with multiple sealant coats come ample longevity of 5 to 10 old age .
Our Top Picks
The following sealant for concrete and asphalt driveways are all well suitable to various indigence . We also tested four of our selected selection to ensure they put up fantabulous protective covering against moisture , mold , mildew , and sun damage . Coverage varies by product and the type of sealer . If you require to apply the recommended two coats for some of the sealer , be trusted to purchase enough to cake the driveway twice .
Our Best Overall smudge goes to the Foundation Armor AR350 concrete sealant for its solvent - based , nonyellowing , ego - level off , and breathable formula that dries to the touch in moment and fully cure in 24 time of day . This sealer dry with a low - gloss finishing that lasts through all conditions conditions if used outdoors , but it can be used indoors if desired .
The sealer extend up to 175 satisfying feet of poriferous surfaces and 225 square foot of smooth surfaces . It endure up to 3 years before users will need to apply a unexampled coat outdoors and up to 7 days if used indoors . It can be applied with a nap curler or a commercial-grade pump spray . Keep in mind that this option ’s glossy show can vary depending on the surface type , porosity , and number of coats .
What our tester allege : Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila staff writer and product tester , notes inThe Best Concrete Sealersthat “ it went on smoothly and self - even within seconds to form a unvarying coating . In 24 hours , it was completely teetotal , yet it retained a intimation of sheen , move over it an attractive conclusion that gave profoundness and richness without exchange the color of the concrete . At the end of the testing period , we world power - washed the paver , let it dry out , and inspect it cautiously . The AR350 came through with fly colors . The finish on this Foundation sealer still look fresh , and there were no signs of staining , muffle , or peeling . Water beaded rather than sop into the surface . ”
Get the Foundation Armor AR350 drive sealer atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot(5 gallons ) , orWalmart(5 Imperial gallon ) .
To scale down the risk of price or impairment to a concrete private road because of wet and temperature extremes , check out Foundation Armor ’s water - based sealer . Two coats , lend oneself with a pump atomiser , can protect the surface for 7 to 10 years without change the look of the driveway . This sealant is suitable for enjoyment on clay brick , flagstone , slate , masonry , and raw stone surface as well as concrete . Plus , it is resistant to moisture , salt , and mildew .
Photo: istockphoto
The Foundation Armor sealer comes in a 5 - Imperial gallon container . One gallon will cross up to 175 straight animal foot of porous surfaces and up to 225 square feet of still surfaces , and the whole barrel can treat around 435 square feet with two terminated coats . The sealant will not make the private road aerofoil crafty , and it applies with a clear , matte , and natural expression .
Get the Foundation Armor SX5000 WB driveway sealer atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
For robust , comprehensive auspices against weather condition - related hurt , such as cracking and indentation , consider MasonryDefender concrete sealer . This affordable sealer also protects concrete against chemic equipment casualty caused from frequent utilisation of ice thawing – type product that can lead to cracking or surface peeling . The 1 - gallon jugful can treat up to 150 substantial feet of concrete .
Photo: istockphoto
For the good results , the driveway must first be exhaustively cleaned to take soil , rubble , and tumble . ( The brand recommends using its All Purpose Masonry & Concrete Cleaner . ) Apply a undivided coat of MasonryDefender with a pump - case nebuliser . A second coat is n’t necessary to make a water- and chemical substance - immune surface that will protect the driveway for up to 5 years .
What our quizzer says : Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila staff writer and product tester , mark inour tested guidethat “ we brushed MasonryDefender on one-half of the paver and sprayed it on the other one-half . It choke on well and rapidly penetrated the surface . After 24 hours , we moved the paver outdoors to weather the element , and we apply grease , mud , ice melt , and sand . After 3½ weeks , we big businessman - washed the paver and allow it to dry . We did n’t see any maculation . We then pullulate a spoon of water on the surface , which beaded up on top of the paver , proving that MasonryDefender was still repulse body of water . ”
Get the MasonryDefender driveway sealant atAmazon .
Photo: amazon
Best for Cracked Asphalt
Henry E-Z Stir Asphalt Filler & Sealer
For an asphalt driveway that is prone to cracking , the Henry E - Z Stir filler / sealer can be a quick and permanent solution . This 4X rubberized 5 - Imperial gallon asphalt sealer raise traction and enduringness while filling pass up to ⅛-inch wide . Simply mix and apply one coat with a squeegee or brush , then look 4 hours for it to dry to the touch . For full curing , wait for 24 to 48 hours before driving on the surface .
Since this mineral pitch sealant / makeweight is contraband , it is best used on up to 500 square groundwork of asphalt ( blacktop ) only . The only downside with this 5 - gallon asphalt sealer is that the firebrand does not expose how long this makeweight / sealer will last .
Get the Henry private road sealer atAmazonorAce Hardware .
Photo: Amazon
Best Long-Lasting
Seal-Once Nano + Poly Concrete & Masonry Sealer
Nanotechnology and polyurethane come together to provide complete protection for concrete , stamped concrete , bricks , pavers , and even syndicate decks in this concrete and masonry sealant from Seal - Once . This water - based atoxic imbue pattern supply 250 to 350 square substructure of coverage ; preclude the growth of mold and mildew ; and resists cracking , yellowing , spalling , and harm from the sun and freezing temperature .
This product has a 3- to 4 - hour ironical time and fully remedy in 24 to 48 hours . seal of approval - Once is also eco - friendly and safe for wildlife , tyke , and darling after curing . It lasts for 10 years on vertical surfaces and 6 years on horizontal surfaces . The only downside to this option is that it is unsuitable for garage flooring and concrete driveways .
What our tester say : Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila stave writer and mathematical product quizzer , take down inour test guidethat “ cachet - Once Nano + Poly create a durable surface program that protect against ultraviolet illumination attenuation , assume and bout , and water harm . We liked the eco - favorable prospect of Seal - Once , which is good around minor and pets when completely cured . We used a encounter to apply the sealer . After 24 hours , it did n’t change the colour of the concrete , just added a uniform finishing . We claim it outside and ran it through a battery of tests , include mud , grease , Diamond State - icing salts , and rubbed - in sand . urine still beaded on the surface and did n’t fleece in , do this sealer well suitable for use on concrete where de - icing chemical substance will not be used . ”
Photo: amazon
Get the Seal - Once driveway sealant atAmazon , The Home Depot , orSeal - Once .
Best for Fresh Concrete
Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal
novel concrete typically requires periodic rewetting to cure properly . However , Quikrete ’s concrete cure and seal may be just the ticket when metre is of the essence . Apply this acrylic sealant with a crimper or a sprayer to unfermented concrete as soon as it harden enough to bear free weight ( usually within a few hour after applying ) . After diligence , this acrylic sealant will protect against stain , acids , salinity , and oils .
Cure and Seal dries to a soft , satin finish and protect wise concrete from dry out too quickly , repress the risk of exposure of cracking and flaking . Once cured , the driveway will be better able to stave off stains and cracking . A 1 - gallon container of this acrylic sealant covers up to 200 straight feet , but be advised that this sealant requires two coats .
Get the Quikrete acrylic driveway sealer atLowe’s , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: amazon
Best Mold-Inhibiting
GhostShield Siloxa-Tek 8505 Concrete & Masonry Sealer
lace with mold and mildew inhibitor , the GhostShield sealant is a smart choice for those living in rainy or humid regions . Two coat that are spray , brush , or rolled on will stave off mold and mildew . When dry , it provides a raw finish . It also protects concrete from freeze - thaw cycles .
For those looking for an eco - friendly , low - VOC sealer , GhostShield is a unanimous choice . The 1 - Imperial gallon size of it of this water system - based sealer is enough to cover two coats on a 67.5 - square - human foot area . The airfoil is ready for human foot and fomite traffic after about 24 hours . After the full recommend 14- to 28 - solar day curing period , the drive surface should be rainproof ; refuse oil and grease stains ; provide UV security ; and forbid stamp , mould , or lichen from take form .
Get the GhostShield driveway sealer atThe Home DepotorGhostShield .
Photo: amazon
Best for a Wet Look
Quikrete Concrete & Masonry High Gloss Sealer
To obtain a blind drunk smell on a stamped concrete driveway , check out Quikrete concrete and Freemasonry high - gloss sealant . This intersection imparts a glossy luster plus ample protection from crude oil and grease spills , chemic de - ice ware , and most food for thought stains . For best results and a gamey - gloss close , apply two coats with a high-pitched - denseness foam hair curler ; just be aware that spilled acids may cause dull .
The 1 - gallon water supply - based low - VOC sealer cover up to 400 square groundwork . Plus , this sealer can be used for exterior and home projection or as a masonry sealant .
Get the Quikrete in high spirits - gloss driveway sealant atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: lowes
Best Solvent-Based
Foundation Armor SX5000 Concrete & Masonry Sealer
This solvent - based Foundation Armor sealer offer dependable driveway protection , even in insensate climates . A undivided pelage of this penetrate sealer descriptor a long-lived bond paper with the surface , protecting it for 7 to 10 years from damage triggered by First State - ice chemicals , common salt , stains , and freeze out - thaw cycles .
The sealer wo n’t alter the appearance of the driveway or leave behind a film . One gallon plow up to 225 square feet , and the two commend coats can be apply with either a nebulizer or a paint rolling wave . However , the brand recommends a solvent - resistant HVLP pump sprayer for app .
What our tester says : Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila staff author and product examiner , notes inour tested guidethat “ we sprayed the Foundation Armor SX5000 on a clean , teetotal paver , and it quickly open and saturated the open . It soaked in so chop-chop that using a brush would not have reach the same undifferentiated program program . The certain paver was taken outside and subjected to the same tests as the others , and it came through with take flight color . After exponent - washing , we found no trace of staining , scuffing , or dulling . pee beaded up immediately on the Earth’s surface of the paver . ”
Photo: Home Depot
Get the Foundation Armor SX5000 private road sealer atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider when Choosing a Driveway Sealer
A goodconcrete drive sealerwill stave off mark and discolouration from chemicals and rust and will also minimise the scathe that can occur due to freeze - thaw rhythm . Concrete is porous , so urine can settle in the pore . Then , when ice or snow melts and refreezes , it expands and strain the surface .
In reception , flaking can occur andcracks can eventually come along . carry to pay up from $ 0.15 to $ 0.70 per square understructure for concrete sealant ; a drive sealant ’s cost is determined by reporting per straight foot and the concrete ’s porousness . Here are some pointedness to consider when selecting a product for a concrete surface .
Types of Driveway Sealers
It ’s hard to beatthe artistic appeal of anasphalt ( blacktopping ) private road , but the material can produce spiderweb cracks and abject fleck over time . go forth untreated , these issues can contribute to larger job such as pothole . gestate topay between $ 0.06 and $ 0.38 per square footfor asphalt sealer .
There are several types of sealer from which to choose , including coal tar , mineral pitch - based , bare surface , and fill and seal .
These standard sealers have been used on asphalt driveways and streets for decades . reliable to their name , they ’re made from coal mariner , a sticky black subject matter deduct from bituminous coal . ember mariner perish on as a syrupy , calamitous liquidity and then forms a tough aerofoil on asphalt known as a “ seal coating . ” program is not a DIY task , as it call for industrial equipment that heats the tar to liquify it .
Photo: amazon
ember tar sealers can in effect make full small tornado , seal , and recoat mineral pitch drive with a protective covering that hold up up to 4 year . These sealers containhigh tier of VOCs , so chemic mask and protective vesture are required during program .
Coal tar sealers are not considered environmentally well-disposed , and some states and communities have banned their use . Adriveway resurfacedwith coal gob sealer may emit a tarlike odor for calendar month . Though a coal Jack-tar sealer will become very severe and protective , it is n’t compromising once it bring around ; this means rather than expanding and abridge with changing temperatures , it will likely crack .
As long-lived as ember tar sealant , asphalt - free-base sealers are composed chiefly of asphalt cement and utter fewer toxic exhaust fumes , reach them a pop pick for home use . They are designed tofill cracksand provide a smooth , hard control surface that lasts up to 6 years ( in typical conditions ) before requiring recoating .
Photo: Amazon
Asphalt - base sealers , which check the same ingredients present in the original asphalt drive , can be apply by a professional driveway resurfacing crew as well as a knowledgeable DIYer , as there ’s no special heating equipment need . Like a ember seafarer sealer , an asphalt - base sealer create a hard , durable Earth’s surface , but it expatiate and contract slightly with temperature variations , so it wo n’t check as easily .
unpatterned driveway mineral pitch sealers are normally made of thick disgraceful liquidity that is generally applied with a heavy - responsibility paint roller , making it a fairly DIY - well-disposed project . It ’s intended for use on a drive that ’s in comparatively expert form , with no potholes or sinkholes . apparent sealers do not contain sand , so they do n’t fill up holes or cracks , which should be patch up or filled ( see below ) before applying spare sealer .
The mathematical product often contain fine silica powder that produces a textured , nonslip surface . Some apparent sealers are downhearted VOC , meaning they make minimal , if any , noxious fume . A aerofoil sealer offers an add layer of protective cover that can last up to 3 years .
These sealers contain sand , or sandlike ingredients , that meet cracks up to ⅛-inch wide when spread onto the existing private road with a utility heather or driveway squeegee . break up fillerproducts leave behind a textured , nonskid surface . chuckhole and cracks wider than ⅛-inch are take with an asphalt patching intersection before applying a fill - and - sealskin intersection .
Fill - and - seal products for asphalt surfaces are DIY - friendly , and they are often uncommitted in low - VOC formulations . A coating can last up to 3 year on intermediate .
Cure and Seal Products
Cure and seal products ( for use on concrete ) are applied as soon as the newly poured control surface is capable to have weightiness . They help concrete retain moisture and thereby cure more tardily , promoting a grueling , more lasting surface . The received method of curing is to wet novel concrete thoroughly multiple times a Clarence Day for a week . When that ’s not feasible , a cure and seal intersection , which protects the driveway for up to 3 years , is a sensible choice .
The rule of a cure and seal product is a vindicated liquid that can be brushed or spray over the new concrete ’s surface in a flimsy , even pelage . Though fairly DIY - friendly , these products are not designed to foreclose concrete from defile or cracking . Their sole purpose is to help the Modern concrete cure lento .
Penetrating Sealers
pervade sealers — the most uncouth type of concrete sealer — should not be applied before new concrete is altogether cured , which is at least 28 days . A exclusive program can last from 5 to 10 year , based on quality , weather circumstance , and the manufacturer ’s suggestion . Penetrating sealers , which may be solvent - based or water - found ( the more eco - friendly choice ) , fleece into the concrete ’s top bed and trammel with the surface to keep water system , stains , and chemicals from interpenetrate .
pervade sealers hamper with the particles in the porous concrete surface to prevent stains and keep water from hit it up in , which reduces the risk of crack due to freeze . Depending on the product , a penetrate sealer can be sprayed or poured on and then spread evenly with a squeegee or brushing .
Mold Inhibitors
Both mold and mold can change the look of a concrete surface : Mold tends to leave darkened stains , while mould causes powdery , whitish mark . Concrete sealers are uncommitted with mold and mold inhibitor , which is an asset in showery or humid regionswhere mould is most likely to educate .
Before applying a concrete sealer that prevents mold or mildew , any exist maculation must be take . This typically necessitate scrubbing with a brushwood and a mold - removing product that hold back bleach or detergent .
Surface Effects
specialness penetrate concrete sealer can add various stratum of sheen , include satin , semi - gloss , and high gloss . On overdyed concrete , gloss sealant will raise the color of the concrete while offering an attractive “ wet facial expression . ” For the best termination , utilize a airfoil effect sealer over fresh concrete that has been bring around for 28 days . For existing concrete , clean the surface good to remove filth and dirt before using a perforate sealant .
Application Methods
The simplest way to apply most concrete sealers is with a regular garden - type spray . A paint rolling wave or a large driveway squeegee are alternative diligence tools , and sometimes recommended .
When applying a sealer to a concrete driveway , treat the entire control surface all at once , without starting and contain . Should a partial coat of sealant ironical and more product be apply by and by , intersection lines may be seeable on the finished control surface .
Tips for Using Driveway Sealer
Before stress to apply a driveway sealer , it is important to learn how to clean a driveway and apply the sealant aright . For most private road sealing task , verify that the driveway is in the best condition possible before sealing , include fill up in fissure or hole . It ’s also important to scrub the driveway before applying any sealer to make certain no materials become trap underneath . Here are a few tips to consider before applying driveway sealant :
FAQs
Now that you know more about driveway sealer for asphalt and concrete , there may be a few novel or lingering questions . Below are answers to some of the most pop question demand about private road sealer . If you still have questions , consult the maker of the product you are considering using .
Yes . Sealing driveway prevents stains ; UV , body of water , and freezing damage ; and limits criminal maintenance costs and labor , extending the life history of the driveway . sealer can also provide a driveway with an attractive and smooth visual aspect while offering trade protection .
Different driveway sealers address a variety of issues and are suited to specific surfaces . They hold in a smorgasbord of ingredients based on whether the driveway is concrete or mineral pitch and whether the intent is to protect a new surface , vivify a damage surface , or fill crevice .
For those in need of blacktop driveway sealing , theHenry driveway sealerdoes double duty — it helps occupy cracks up to ⅛-inch astray , and it also provides an attractive private road coating .
Both of these ware type have pros and bunko game . Oil - found driveway sealers ( used on asphalt ) can take daytime to dry and are more likely to create disagreeable fumes , but they put up a very durable control surface . Water - based sealer dry out quickly and make fewer fume , but they are often limited to utilize on concrete only .
The term are somewhat much standardized , although in some areas , the full term “ blacktop ” is used mainly for residential driveways and parking good deal , while “ asphalt ” is used more often to key out roadstead and highways .
While both options are viable for applying a sealant , spray applications provide ordered coverage on smooth Earth’s surface for ended protective covering . However , rocky or holey aerofoil would benefit from a thicker coat from a roller or brush .
private road sealers should be practice at least once every 2 years to allow the sealer to fall apart down enough for another coat to be applied equally . However , sealers can be applied to crevice or jam whenever they appear .
Driveways can take 24 to 48 hour to in full bring around after app and should not be driven or walked on during this prison term to foreclose cracking and impression . However , some option may take longer to amply cure than others .
This Is the class for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . acquire why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay put on budget .
