The Best Driveway Sealers of 2024 for Asphalt and Concrete Surfaces
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Driveway Sealers of 2024 for Asphalt and Concrete Surfaces and hope the blog can help you.
Protect your driveway from stains, chemicals, and the damage freeze-thaw cycles can cause with the product that best suits the surface material.
Cracked or stained driveways detract from curb appeal, so keeping your driveway looking its best can help protect the investment in your home. By treating your driveway with the best driveway sealer, you can protect the surface from freeze-thaw cycles, chemicals, and harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays.
While installing a driveway is a job for the pros, sealing a driveway that’s concrete or asphalt can be a simple DIY project. The best sealer will vary depending on the individual driveway’s condition and the reason for sealing it. Plus, some of the best driveway sealers can also be used with other driveway surfaces like pavers, flagstone, and masonry.
We chose the Foundation Armor AR350 Wet Look as our best overall pick for its versatile, solvent-based formula; nonyellowing, self-leveling, and breathable texture; and 3- to 10-year longevity.
Read on to learn about more concrete and asphalt sealers, and find out why the following products are among the best you can buy. Plus, we hands-on tested some of our selected picks to make sure they performed well.
- BEST OVERALL: Foundation Armor AR350 Wet Look Concrete Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Foundation Armor SX5000 WB Concrete & Masonry Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: MasonryDefender Concrete Driveway Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CRACKED ASPHALT: Henry E-Z Stir Asphalt Filler & Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LONG-LASTING: Seal-Once Nano + Poly Concrete & Masonry Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR FRESH CONCRETE: Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MOLD-INHIBITING: GhostShield Siloxa-Tek 8505 Concrete & Masonry Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR A WET LOOK: Quikrete Concrete & Masonry High Gloss Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SOLVENT-BASED: Foundation Armor SX5000 Concrete & Masonry Sealer
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Driveway Sealers
Weather, oil, gasoline, and ice-melt products can tarnish a driveway, giving it a shabby look. Selections for our Top Picks of the best driveway sealers on the market depended upon compatibility with different surfaces, value per quantity, durability, ease of application, and longevity.
Though most of the sealers listed above are made for asphalt or concrete driveways, some are also compatible with other surfaces like brick, flagstone, pavers, masonry, and more. Some are also safe for indoor projects like basement flooring.
Sealers featured on the list also come in quantities of up to 5 gallons to cover areas of up to 500 square feet. For smaller driveways, there are also 1-gallon quantities available that can cover about 200 square feet.
Resistance to oils, gasoline, salt, ice-melt products, and other common stains is also a valuable asset in many top sealers. As for application, most of our picks require two coats for ample durability. But, with multiple sealer coats comes ample longevity of 5 to 10 years.
Our Top Picks
The following sealers for concrete and asphalt driveways are all well suited to various needs. We also tested four of our selected picks to ensure they provided excellent protection against moisture, mold, mildew, and sun damage. Coverage varies by product and the type of sealer. If you want to apply the recommended two coats for some of the sealers, be sure to purchase enough to coat the driveway twice.
Best Overall
Foundation Armor AR350 Wet Look Concrete Sealer
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Surface compatibility: Concrete, clay brick, pavers, flagstone, slate, and natural stone
- Coverage: 175 to 225 square feet/gallon
- Finish: Glossy
What We Like
- Durable, nonyellowing, self-leveling formula last for 3 to 7 years
- Can be applied in indoor or outdoor spaces, including garages, pool decks, basements, walkways, and more
- Low-gloss finish dries to the touch in seconds and fully cures in up to 24 hours
- Provides ample coverage area of 175 to 225 square feet
What We Don’t Like
- Requires at least 2 coats to provide a full seal over concrete
- Low-gloss appearance may differ depending on the surface type and porosity
Our Best Overall spot goes to the Foundation Armor AR350 concrete sealer for its solvent-based, nonyellowing, self-leveling, and breathable formula that dries to the touch in seconds and fully cures in 24 hours. This sealer dries with a low-gloss finish that lasts through all weather conditions if used outdoors, but it can be used indoors if desired.
The sealer covers up to 175 square feet of porous surfaces and 225 square feet of smooth surfaces. It lasts up to 3 years before users will need to apply a new coat outdoors and up to 7 years if used indoors. It can be applied with a nap roller or a commercial pump sprayer. Keep in mind that this option’s glossy appearance can vary depending on the surface type, porosity, and number of coats.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in The Best Concrete Sealers that “it went on smoothly and self-leveled within seconds to form a uniform coating. In 24 hours, it was completely dry, yet it retained a hint of sheen, giving it an attractive finish that gave depth and richness without changing the color of the concrete. At the end of the testing period, we power-washed the paver, let it dry, and inspected it carefully. The AR350 came through with flying colors. The finish on this Foundation sealer still looked fresh, and there were no signs of staining, dulling, or peeling. Water beaded rather than soaked into the surface.”
Get the Foundation Armor AR350 driveway sealer at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot (5 gallons), or Walmart (5 gallons).
Runner-Up
Foundation Armor SX5000 WB Concrete & Masonry Sealer
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Surface compatibility: Concrete, clay brick, slate, flagstone, masonry, and natural stone
- Coverage: 175 to 225 square feet/gallon
- Finish: Natural
What We Like
- Large quantity easily covers long or large driveways of up to 225 square feet
- Siliconate formula protects against salt and moisture damage; excellent longevity
- Resists mold and mildew buildup; great for most outdoor environments
What We Don’t Like
- Requires multiple coats for best results; can be quite time-consuming
- Works best on light or white surfaces; may not work well on dark gray or black driveways
To reduce the risk of damage or deterioration to a concrete driveway caused by moisture and temperature extremes, check out Foundation Armor’s water-based sealer. Two coats, applied with a pump sprayer, can protect the surface for 7 to 10 years without changing the look of the driveway. This sealer is suitable for use on clay brick, flagstone, slate, masonry, and natural stone surfaces as well as concrete. Plus, it is resistant to moisture, salt, and mildew.
The Foundation Armor sealer comes in a 5-gallon container. One gallon will cover up to 175 square feet of porous surfaces and up to 225 square feet of smooth surfaces, and the whole barrel can treat approximately 435 square feet with two complete coats. The sealer will not make the driveway surface slick, and it applies with a clear, matte, and natural look.
Get the Foundation Armor SX5000 WB driveway sealer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
MasonryDefender Concrete Driveway Sealer
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Surface compatibility: Concrete
- Coverage: 90 to 150 square feet/gallon
- Finish: Clear
What We Like
- Protects against chemical damage from de-icing salts and moisture
- Only requires 1 coat; simple application process with a relatively quick 6-hour dry time
- Breathable formula will not form a film or yellow with use
- Budget-friendly sealer compared to similar options
What We Don’t Like
- Driveway must be cleaned thoroughly before application
- Air temperature needs to be between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 3 hours after application
- Discoloration may occur if applied on dense surfaces
For robust, comprehensive protection against weather-related damage, such as cracking and pitting, consider MasonryDefender concrete sealer. This affordable sealer also protects concrete against chemical damage caused from frequent use of ice melt–type products that can lead to cracking or surface peeling. The 1-gallon jug can treat up to 150 square feet of concrete.
For the best results, the driveway must first be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, dust, and spills. (The brand recommends using its All Purpose Masonry & Concrete Cleaner.) Apply a single coat of MasonryDefender with a pump-type sprayer. A second coat isn’t necessary to create a water- and chemical-resistant surface that will protect the driveway for up to 5 years.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in our tested guide that “we brushed MasonryDefender on half of the paver and sprayed it on the other half. It went on easily and quickly penetrated the surface. After 24 hours, we moved the paver outdoors to weather the elements, and we applied grease, mud, ice melt, and sand. After 3½ weeks, we power-washed the paver and allowed it to dry. We didn’t see any staining. We then poured a spoonful of water on the surface, which beaded up on top of the paver, proving that MasonryDefender was still repelling water.”
Get the MasonryDefender driveway sealer at Amazon.
Best for Cracked Asphalt
Henry E-Z Stir Asphalt Filler & Sealer
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Surface compatibility: Asphalt
- Coverage: 250 to 500 square feet/5 gallons
- Finish: Black
What We Like
- 4X rubberized formula provides traction and durability; suitable for use in commercial spaces
- Versatile formula can seal a driveway or fill small cracks up to ⅛-inch wide
- 5-gallon asphalt sealer provides enough product for up to 500 square feet
- 4-hour dry time; fully cures within 48 hours into a black, smooth finish
What We Don’t Like
- Color will only blend with asphalt (blacktop) surfaces
- Store where it cannot freeze or be reached by children
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-gallon asphalt sealer enhances traction and durability while filling cracks up to ⅛-inch wide. Simply mix and apply one coat with a squeegee or brush, then wait 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 asphalt sealer/filler is black, it is best used on up to 500 square feet of asphalt (blacktop) only. The only downside with this 5-gallon asphalt sealer is that the brand does not disclose how long this filler/sealer will last.
Get the Henry driveway sealer at Amazon or Ace Hardware.
Best Long-Lasting
Seal-Once Nano + Poly Concrete & Masonry Sealer
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Surface compatibility: Concrete, pool decks, stamped concrete, bricks, and pavers
- Coverage: 250 to 350 square feet/gallon
- Finish: Matte
What We Like
- Eco-friendly, water-based formula is safe to use around wildlife, children, and pets
- Will not crack, yellow, grow mold or mildew, or spall from UV light or freezing temperatures
- Provides a coverage area of 250 to 350 square feet per gallon and lasts for 6 to 10 years
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for use on garage floors or concrete driveways
Nanotechnology and polyurethane come together to provide complete protection for concrete, stamped concrete, bricks, pavers, and even pool decks in this concrete and masonry sealer from Seal-Once. This water-based nontoxic penetrating formula provides 250 to 350 square feet of coverage; prevents the growth of mold and mildew; and resists cracking, yellowing, spalling, and damage from the sun and freezing temperatures.
This product has a 3- to 4-hour dry time and fully cures in 24 to 48 hours. Seal-Once is also eco-friendly and safe for wildlife, children, and pets 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 floors and concrete driveways.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in our tested guide that “Seal-Once Nano + Poly creates a durable surface coating that protects against UV fading, wear and tear, and water damage. We liked the eco-friendly aspects of Seal-Once, which is safe around children and pets when completely cured. We used a brush to apply the sealer. After 24 hours, it didn’t change the color of the concrete, just added a uniform finish. We took it outside and ran it through a battery of tests, including mud, grease, de-icing salts, and rubbed-in sand. Water still beaded on the surface and didn’t soak in, making this sealer well suited for use on concrete where de-icing chemicals will not be used.”
Get the Seal-Once driveway sealer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Seal-Once.
Best for Fresh Concrete
Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal
Photo: lowes