DIY Driveway Seal

How to Seal Your Driveway

Not only is repairing your driveway easy to do, it will last longer and look better. Here's what you'll need: water-based acrylic filler/sealer, a chisel, a caulking gun, asphalt sealant, a brush applicator with squeegee, crack filler, foam backer rods if necessary, cold patch blacktop, kneepads, gloves and safety goggles.

Start by chiseling along the cracks. Do this at an angle so they're wider underneath than they are on the surface. Then clean the driveway with a garden hose, a bit of laundry detergent, and a scrub brush, removing all weeds, grass, and other debris. Make sure it's completely dry before continuing with your repairs.

Fill cracks with the acrylic filler and a caulking gun. For wider cracks, fill with foam backer rods before applying. Smooth away excess with a putty knife. For larger potholes, you'll need to shovel packaged cold-patch blacktop into the well-cleaned hole, until it is slightly overfilled.

Then place a piece of scrap plywood over the patch and drive your car back and forth across it to further compact it. Let patches cure for at least one day. Mist the driveway with water, then spread the sealant with the squeegee, several square feet at a time. Allow the first coat to dry between 4 to 12 hours before applying the second. Keep off the driveway until it is completely dry — at least 24 to 36 hours.

Need more expert advice? Stop by Martens Reedsburg True Value Superstore and ask one of our hardware experts for help. With the right tools and supplies, your DIY project will get done right!