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Sealing FAQ
- I have put the sealer down too thick and am getting "mud cracks"...what do I do?
- I am using the squeegee as directed to seal my driveway but am not able to get the edges too well with it. What do you recommend?
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- How many pails of sealer do I need for my driveway?
- What tool do I use to seal my driveway?
- How long should I wait before applying a second coat?
- Why are two thin coats better than one thick coat?
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I have put the sealer down too thick and am getting "mud cracks"...what do I do?
Well, #1 we strongly recommend using the proper tool...our 18" Seal Right Squeegee and bearing down on it while applying as you want to leave a thin coat.
Not applying enough pressure (especially on rough pavement) or using the wrong tool can result in putting it down too thick which may result in tracking.
What you can do is pour a little water onto the mud cracked area right away and with a push broom work out those thick areas.
- I am using the squeegee as directed to seal my driveway but am not able to get the edges too well with it. What do you recommend?
If you are not comfortable using a squeegee for the edges, or for areas that may be bordered by bricks or pavers, we recommend using a broom or wallpaper brush. You can do the edge the entire driveway first and then seal the driveway up to where you've edged in. Also, you can tape off any bricks you have to make sure no sealer is splashed up on them!
- How many pails of sealer do I need for my driveway?
COVERAGE - The application rate of driveway sealers and resurfacers is important. If you don't use enough, you've left untreated areas of the driveway. If you use too much, the sealer will never "set up" and it the excess will track into your home. It is recommended that you spread a thin layer of sealer, let it cure, and apply a second coat only if necessary.
Coverage rates will vary by sealer and by the condition of your driveway. Remember, a driveway that has a lot of pores and hasn't been sealed in a while will be thirsty and will require more sealer, maybe even two coats. On the other hand, if you seal your driveway every summer it will not need two coats and won't be as thirsty as the previous example.
It is important to remember that you don't want to run short when sealing the driveway. Make sure you buy enough sealer because if you stop to take a break or run out of sealer and have to buy more you may get different shades when the driveway dries. This is because the pavement and outdoor temp were different when you did the driveway... but don't worry: the driveway should blend to one uniform color in a week or two. If it doesn't, let us know and we'll help you out.
Generally speaking, here is a good guide for how many 5 gallon pails to buy:
- For a rough, porous driveway with small cracks and voids:
- 250 - 400 sq. ft. per 5-gallon pail, per coat. The second coat will require about 1/3 less product (see example below).
- For a smooth, previously sealed driveway:
- 400-600 sq. ft. per 5-gallon pail, per coat.
For example, if your driveway is 10 ft wide x 60 ft long = 600 sq ft. If the driveway is in rough condition you would need 2 pails for the first coat and 1 pail for the second coat: FOR A TOTAL OF 3 PAILS.
 What tool do I use to seal my driveway?
The best applicator for a driveway is a squeegee. Brushes and rollers are simply the wrong tool for the job as they do not spread the sealer evenly nor do they properly fill the pores of your asphalt like a squeegee does. (Plus, the use of a roller voids our warranty!) If you want to edge the driveway first, you may do so with a paint brush. Latexite has designed a squeegee, the Latexite 18" Seal-Right Squeegee, to make the job for you easier. It will save time and effort and can be washed off and re-used again!
- How long should I wait before applying a second coat?
We recommend waiting until the first coat is fully dry / cured. It is best to give it 24 hours so that all areas, including the hairline cracks that get filled, are fully dry. If the driveway has been sealed early in the morning and the entire driveway is fully dry, you may put a second coat on later in the day.
- Why are two thin coats better than one thick coat?
Applying two coats of Latexite® will dry and cure much better than one thick coat. All Latexite®sealers are water based, which "cure" via evaporation. A thin coat will evaporate much faster than a thick coat will. If you apply one thick coat, you are "locking in" that initial coat and the sealer will hold water which causes tracking.
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