Although driveway sealcoating is a service provided by VPS, we recognize that some do-it-yourself types prefer to, well…do it themselves. If you fall into that category, we’d like to provide you some step-by-step instructions about how to sealcoat a driveway properly.
Step 1: Purchase the necessary materials
The first thing you’ll need to do is visit your local hardware store to pick up some supplies. You’ll need the actual driveway sealer of course, and a squeegee tool to spread it with. However, you’ll also probably want a pair of work boots so that you’d don’t ruin your shoes if they get some sealant on them. You will also need some tape to mark off areas adjacent to your driveway that you do not want sealed.
Step 2: Prepare your driveway surface for sealing
Once you have all the supplies you’ll need, it’s time to prepare your surface for sealing. The first thing you’ll need to do is make sure all the following conditions are met:
- The outside temperature must be a minimum of 60°F or more within a 24 hour period before and after sealcoating your driveway.
- Do not sealcoat your driveway if rain is forecast within 48 hours after you plan to finish
- If you live in an area where morning dew or fog is common, stop sealcoating prior to 3 pm to ensure there is no wash-off.
- The driveway cannot be used for 24-48 hours after the completion of the sealcoating process.
Assuming all these conditions are met, you must fully clean off all dirt and debris from the driveway surface. Then, tape off all surfaces adjacent to the driveway that you do not want to sealcoat, such as concrete walkways, bricks, gutters, etc.
Congratulations! After about 30-60 minutes of work, you are now ready to begin the sealcoating process.
Step 3: Applying the sealant
Now it is time to actually apply the sealant to the driveway. Each bucket of sealant should, if properly applied, cover about 350 square feet. In order to avoid crossing over the surface you just sealed, you should space the buckets out beforehand. Take each bucket and begin to pour the sealer in 6-inch bands from one side of the pavement to the other. Quickly take your squeegee tool and spread the sealant around before it dries, so that it evenly covers the entire surface.
Repeat this process with each bucket of sealant until the driveway is completely covered. Depending on the size of your surface, this will take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
When disposing of the empty buckets of sealant, be sure to follow all laws regarding disposal of hazardous materials. You may end up with a bucket that is not completely empty—this will also need to be disposed of properly.
That’s it! All told, including the time taken to purchase the materials, the whole process can easily be completed in a half-day.
On the other hand, if you’d prefer to spend that half-day relaxing in your favorite chair reading a book while watching us sealcoat your driveway out the window, then just give us a call today to schedule your project.