Topical Concrete Driveway Sealer: Best Guide
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What is a Topical Concrete Driveway Sealer?
A topical concrete driveway sealer is a protective coating applied directly onto the surface of the concrete. Unlike penetrating sealers, topical sealers do not penetrate into the pores of the concrete. Instead, topical sealers form a protective film on the surface.
There are 4 types of common topical concrete sealers, namely acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane, and polyaspartic, each offering different levels of protection and aesthetics.
Acrylic concrete sealers are popular for driveways due to their affordability and ease of application. They provide a glossy or matte finish and offer good protection against water, UV rays, and stains.
Epoxy concrete sealers bond effectively with the concrete, providing excellent resistance to chemicals, oil, grease, and heavy traffic. They are ideal for interior concrete slabs such as garage or warehouse floors.
However, they have poor UV resistance and are not suitable for driveways.
Polyurethane concrete sealers offer excellent abrasion resistance and chemical resistance, making them suitable for driveways subject to heavy traffic and exposure to chemicals.
Polyaspartic concrete sealers are relatively new and have exceptional resistance to UV rays, chemicals, abrasion, and impact.
Polyaspartic sealers will give you a clear, glossy finish and can be applied in a single day, significantly reducing the inconvenience of the sealing process.
In this post I will focus on the Acrylic Topical Concrete Driveway Sealer, as that is the most cost-effective and DIY friendly option for you.
How Does Acrylic Topical Concrete Driveway Sealer Work?
Acrylic topical concrete driveway sealers use acrylic polymer resin as the binder in their formulation. Acrylic polymer resin is derived from acrylic acid or its derivatives.
Of course, acrylic topical concrete driveway sealers also contain other ingredients such as, solvents, UV stabilizers, and adhesion promoters. The solvent could be water or a hydrocarbon.
When the acrylic sealer is applied onto the concrete surface, the solvent in the sealer begins to evaporate, the acrylic polymers coalesce and bond together, forming a continuous film that adheres to the concrete surface.
This film acts as a barrier, preventing water, oil, stains, and other contaminants from penetrating into the concrete pores. Additionally, acrylic sealers typically contain UV stabilizers that prevent the film from breaking down by sunlight exposure.
Life & Frequency of Application
The lifespan of an acrylic topical concrete driveway sealer ranges from 1 to 3 years. As such you’ll need to reapply acrylic topical concrete driveway sealer every 1 to 3 years.
Climate and usage affect the longevity, so you’ll need to reseal more frequently in regions with harsh weather conditions or where the driveway is exposed to heavy traffic. However, it is best to reseal, when required, rather than follow a time schedule.
I suggest that it is time to consider resealing your concrete driveway whenever you see the following visual signs:
Water Absorption: Perform a simple water test by sprinkling some water on the surface of your driveway. If the water drops are readily absorbed or form puddles instead of beading up, it’s time to reseal.
Visible Stains: Oil, grease, or other stains that have penetrated the concrete surface are indications that the sealer has weakened. Resealing will help prevent future staining.
Fading Color: If you notice that the color of your concrete driveway has become dull or faded, it’s a clear sign that the sealer has worn off, and resealing is necessary.
I recommend that you must do the water absorption test in late fall. In case the existing sealer coat is not effective, this is a good time to reseal concrete driveway.
The sealer will protect your driveway from the harsh winter conditions.
Step-by-step Application Guide
| Step | Description |
| STEP 1 Gather the necessary materials | Collect all the materials needed for the resealing process, such as concrete cleaner, pressure washer, stiff bristle brush, concrete sealer, and protective gear. |
| STEP 2 Prepare the driveway | Remove loose dirt, debris, and dry leaves from the driveway’s surface using a broom or leaf blower. Sweep the edges and corners thoroughly. |
| STEP 3 Clean the surface | Apply a concrete cleaner or degreaser to the driveway and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the surface with a stiff bristle brush or broom, then rinse with a pressure washer or hose. |
| STEP 4 Inspect and repair | Carefully inspect the driveway for cracks or damage. Use a suitable crack filler or concrete patching compound to repair. |
| STEP 5 Choose the right sealer | Select a high-quality concrete sealer suitable for your driveway’s needs. Consider factors such as durability, UV resistance, and desired appearance. |
| STEP 6 Apply the sealer | Pour the sealer into a roller tray or in a sprayer. Apply an even coat to the driveway. Avoid puddling or overlapping. Use a brush for hard-to-reach areas. |
| STEP 7 Allow drying and curing | Let the sealer dry and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid foot or vehicle traffic during this period. |
| STEP 8 Additional coats (if necessary) | Apply multiple coats if needed, following the manufacturer’s recommended wait time between coats. Ensure even coverage. |
| STEP 9 Clean up and maintenance | Clean tools and equipment according to the product instructions. Regularly maintain the resealed driveway by keeping it clean and promptly addressing spills or stains. |
Best Acrylic Concrete Driveway Sealer
A sealer after pressure washing is a highly recommended form of preventive maintenance for a concrete driveway and Foundation Armor AR350 Solvent Based Acrylic Wet Look Concrete Sealer is the best concrete driveway sealer for you!
I like it because it:
- Results in a durable, non-yellowing finish with a low gloss wet look
- Reduces damage from abrasion, road salts, water absorption, and UV exposure.
- Lasts 1-3 years before recoating and is made with high-quality US-manufactured resins.
- Easy to apply with a roller or sprayer, suitable for unsealed or previously sealed surfaces.
Foundation Armor AR350 Solvent Based Acrylic Wet Look Concrete Sealer
- Enhances dull and faded concrete driveway with a low gloss wet look.
- Reduces damage caused by surface abrasion, road salts, water absorption, and exposure to the elements.
- UV resistant, non-yellowing, breathable.
- Can last for up to 1-3 years before the need to recoat.
Choosing The Right VOC For Your State: VOC regulations for paint/sealers/coatings vary by state. Please use the following VOC guidelines to help choose the appropriate formulation for your project.
- 700 VOC: The 700 VOC formulation can be shipped to every state except AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, UT, VA.
- 350 VOC: The 350 VOC formulation can be shipped to every state except CA, CO, NY, OH.
- 50 VOC: The 50 VOC formulation can be shipped to every state.
Thank you very much for reading this post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.
