I still remember the first time I resealed my asphalt driveway. I had been putting it off for years—honestly, I thought it would be too hard, too messy, and too time-consuming. But one morning, after tripping over a nasty crack while taking out the trash, I finally decided it was time to tackle the job. To my surprise, it wasn’t just doable—it was actually kind of satisfying! With the right approach and a little patience, resealing an asphalt driveway is a project you can totally handle on your own, and the results? Well, you’ll feel like you’ve given your driveway a new lease on life.
If you’ve been wondering how to reseal your own driveway, here’s everything you need to know, based on my own experience. Let’s get started!
Why Resealing Your Driveway Is So Important
First things first—why bother resealing your driveway in the first place? I didn’t realize how important it was until I started seeing cracks and fading. Asphalt is tough, but it’s not invincible. Over time, the sun, rain, and even oil leaks from cars can wear it down. If left untreated, those small cracks can turn into big, expensive problems. I learned this the hard way when I waited too long and had to spend way more time and money fixing potholes than I would have if I had just resealed it earlier.
Resealing acts as a protective barrier, keeping moisture, chemicals, and UV rays from breaking down the surface. It also restores that rich, black color that makes your driveway look brand new. If you ask me, the peace of mind knowing your driveway is protected is worth every bit of effort.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you dive into resealing, make sure you’ve got everything you need. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot a key tool when you’re knee-deep in sealer. Here’s my go-to list:
- Asphalt driveway sealer (you’ll need more than you think—about one 5-gallon bucket per 400-500 square feet)
- A squeegee or sealer brush
- Crack filler (if needed)
- Pressure washer or garden hose
- Push broom
- Painter’s tape (for edging)
- Gloves and old clothes (this can get messy!)
Once you’ve gathered your materials, check the weather. You’ll want a couple of days of dry, warm weather for the sealer to cure properly. When I first tried this, I ignored the forecast, and of course, a surprise rain shower hit just after I finished. Lesson learned: always check the weather!
Step 1: Clean and Prep the Driveway
Prepping the driveway is by far the most important part of this whole process. I can’t stress this enough—if your driveway isn’t clean, the sealer won’t stick properly, and all your hard work will be for nothing. I made this mistake my first time around, thinking I could just brush off some dirt and call it good. Big mistake. The sealer started peeling within months.
Start by removing any dirt, leaves, and debris using a push broom or a leaf blower. Once the surface is clear, use a pressure washer or garden hose to give the driveway a good rinse. If you’ve got oil stains (which I did, thanks to an old car that leaked like a sieve), you’ll need to clean those with a degreaser. Otherwise, the oil will prevent the sealer from bonding properly.
After everything’s clean, let the driveway dry completely. This part requires patience, but trust me, it’s worth it. Trying to apply sealer to a damp surface is a recipe for disaster.
Step 2: Repair Cracks and Holes
This step is crucial if you want your resealing job to last. I’ve learned that cracks, even small ones, can let water seep in, leading to bigger cracks and eventually potholes. Luckily, fixing cracks is easier than you might think.
For small cracks, use a liquid crack filler. Just pour it directly into the cracks and smooth it out with a putty knife or trowel. For larger cracks or holes, you might need to use an asphalt patch, which is a thicker material. I once had a crack so big I could almost fit my hand in it—patching that up was satisfying, knowing I was preventing a future disaster.
Once you’ve filled all the cracks, let everything dry according to the filler’s instructions. This might take a few hours or even a day, but trust me, you don’t want to rush this step. Patience is key!
Step 3: Apply the Sealer
Here’s where the real fun begins. Applying the sealer is kind of like painting, but on a much bigger canvas. It’s messy, but once you get into the rhythm, it’s actually pretty enjoyable.
Start by taping off the edges of your driveway with painter’s tape to protect any nearby surfaces like your garage or sidewalks. Then, pour a small amount of sealer onto the driveway. Using your squeegee or sealer brush, spread the sealer in thin, even layers. I’ve found that working in small sections makes the job much more manageable. And don’t worry if it looks a little streaky at first—once it dries, the finish will even out.
One thing I learned from my own experience: don’t apply too much sealer at once. It’s tempting to pour on a thick layer and call it a day, but this can actually cause the sealer to crack as it dries. Instead, apply two thin coats. Yes, it takes longer, but the results are worth it.
Step 4: Let It Dry
This is the hardest part for me—waiting. You’ll need to keep cars, pets, and people off the driveway for at least 24-48 hours, depending on the weather. I remember feeling so proud of my freshly sealed driveway, only to have my dog run across it before it dried. It left paw prints all over the place, and I had to redo that section. So, if you’ve got pets or kids, keep an eye on them!
Why I Love Doing This Myself
Here’s the thing: resealing a driveway might seem like a big job, but it’s incredibly rewarding. The first time I did it, I felt this huge sense of accomplishment. Not only does resealing improve the appearance of your driveway, but it also extends its life by protecting it from the elements. Plus, every time I walk down my driveway now, I know it’s in great shape because I took care of it myself.
There’s something empowering about doing these types of projects. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about taking control of the space around you and making it better. And honestly, resealing a driveway is one of those tasks that anyone can do with a little time and effort. If I can do it, so can you.
A Few Final Tips from My Experience
- Choose the right sealer: Not all sealers are created equal. For my driveway, I opted for a coal tar sealer because it’s durable and provides great protection against oil and gas spills.
- Watch for weather changes: As I mentioned earlier, double-check the weather forecast before you start. You need a couple of dry days for the sealer to cure properly.
- Wear old clothes: No matter how careful you are, sealer will get everywhere. I still have a pair of jeans with asphalt sealer stains!
- Take your time: This isn’t a race. The more patient you are with each step, the better your results will be.
