How to Seal Concrete Driveways  4.8/5 (17)

This post was most recently updated on February 23rd, 2024

Update for 2024 – How to Seal Concrete Driveways

In this updated article, we explain How to Seal Concrete Driveways. If you have encountered any issues and have any suggestions or have questions, please comment below.


When it comes to protecting your concrete driveway, nothing can be more beneficial to its longevity than a concrete sealer. Concrete sealers provide protection from weather exposure, moisture, oil stains, tannin stains, deicing salts, and will protect from freeze/thaw damage. They enhance the natural beauty of the concrete and make it easier to clean and maintain in the future.

Preparing an existing concrete driveway for a sealer is vitally important. It is best to wash the surface with a pressure washer and a high-quality concrete cleaner. Dirt, mold, mildew, and all unsightly stains should be removed prior to applying a driveway sealer. If there are remnants of an old concrete sealer, it should be removed using a concrete sealer stripper prior to sealing.

Allowing the concrete at least 24 hours to dry after cleaning is very important. Applying a concrete driveway sealer too soon can actually trap moisture in the concrete which can lead to future problems like mold/mildew growth. On newer concrete driveways it is important to allow the concrete to cure before sealing it. Check with the concrete contractor that poured the drive to see how long to wait.

Once the concrete driveway is dry after cleaning or cured if it is newer, it is ready for a coat of concrete or cement sealer. Choose a quality cement sealer that you are comfortable with. It is recommended to do some research to find the best product for your concrete. You will also have to make a choice of the desired finish. There are many sealers that will give a matte finish that will not alter the concrete’s appearance, and there are some that can give a more glossy finish.

Applying a concrete sealer to driveways is not hard with the right equipment. It is not recommended to use an inexpensive plastic garden sprayer. It is worth the money to buy a contractor-grade metal sprayer. This will give you a more even and professional-looking result and the sprayer will hold up much longer.

Be sure to section off the driveway so nobody drives on it by accident. Start on one end of the drive and using the pump sprayer, apply an even coat moving side to side. Most concrete driveways are sectioned off into squares where a concrete saw has been used to prevent cracking. It is easier to just concentrate on sealing one square area at a time. It may be necessary to use a brush to cut in edges that butt up to structures like the house or garage.

Spraying the sealer, you will notice the concrete will turn darker just like when it gets wet. As the concrete sealant absorbs into the concrete it will begin to look dry again. Move fast enough within the square sections to coat the whole square evenly before it dries, then move on to the next section. Repeat this step until you are completely finished.

Follow the cleanup directions to clean out the sprayer and wash off all the tools that were used. Allow the minimum amount of dry time according to the sealer label before walking or driving on the driveway.  Once a driveway is sealed, it should last a couple of years. When you begin to notice that water does not bead up on the concrete anymore, it may be time to seal it again


 


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Art manella
Art manella
3 years ago

I live in Florida and would like to know what concrete sealer would I put on my driveway it gets a black mold from the canal water that spray the lawn.

Faye Wilbur
Faye Wilbur
3 years ago

We have a stamped concrete driveway and walkway to house, which gets mossy and dirty from the rain off the roof (we don’t have gutters) and live in the hot side of California. Can you give me an idea as to what sealer would work best on our stamped concrete? I wonder about it being slippery. Thanks.

Giles
Giles
4 years ago

I resealed our decorative concrete driveway last year, but my wife hates the squealing noise her car tires now make. Is there a sealer that you can recommend that will not cause the tires to squeal? We live in south Florida if that makes a difference. Thanks

Ron fraser
Ron fraser
4 years ago

Could you tell me if the exspansion cuts need to be filled with anything or just left open.

Gene
Gene
4 years ago

We have 2-3 yr old cement driveway. We want something that will seal driveway from (tannic) acid falling from trees. June 2019

Regan
Regan
6 years ago

What is the temperature range to apply sealer to concrete and patio brick?

Jean
Jean
6 years ago

What do you do to fix roller streaks? Can we just keep adding coats of sealer?

Diane
Diane
6 years ago

I live in Florida (Tampa) and our driveway and sidewalk get moldy. What sealer (matte finish/no color or stain) would work best for our area. I have a three car driveway that needs to be sealed. I was looking at the Radon Seal product. Thanks for your assistance.

Allen
Allen
7 years ago

Great info. I have a circular drive plus a drive way. It is time to do something!

Sandi
Sandi
8 years ago

We have a 10 year old driveway pad, that seems to be deteriorating rather fast now. Would sealer help at this point? We live in Minnesota and would like to do it now, in late October.

Robert
Robert
9 years ago

Does anyone know of a good clear sealant that can be applied in 50 degree weather or if it got down to upper 30's within 6 hrs. Trying to find a good product that can be used in the Seattle area. I would like to work throughout the year. Thank you for your suggestions

sb12
sb12
9 years ago

Hi, can I put new concrete over old concrete that has a textured sealant? (I think it is called Advanced Uro Sealer)
Thanks

Ronald
Ronald
9 years ago

Has anyone tried Ultratect products for concrete ?
They offer up to 20 years lasting.

JuLisa
JuLisa
10 years ago

I used sealer with stain by valspar on my concrete driveway. I live in Florida . I applied my first coat with a roller and noticed lots of roll marks. I began putting on the second coat and it drys so fast in the warm weather and I noticed it still has roll marks. How do I fix this problem so my driveway will look brand new?

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