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How to seal a driveway

Looking at a new sealed driveway, house has red bricks and shrubs in garden bed

Overview

Sealing your driveway is surprisingly easy. It will help protect brand-new exposed concrete or revive an old driveway that’s starting to discolour, making your home look like a million bucks. All you need are a few materials, a rain-free weather window and this helpful step-by-step D.I.Y. guide.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs, gloves and mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Clean the area

The first step is to give your driveway a thorough sweep to remove any dust and debris.
A person sweeping the driveway with a broom

2Spot clean stains

Cleaning your driveway will get rid of any grease, oil and debris that may have accumulated over time. This allows the surface of your driveway to become more porous, helping the sealant to apply and stick well.

If you have any petrol stains or other spills that may have accumulated over the years, these can be removed by using degreaser, a broom and a brush. For any areas that have moss or algae, use an appropriate cleaner before sealing.

A person cleaning the driveway with a broom

3Apply high pressure wash

Once you’ve spot cleaned any leaks or spills, use a pressure washer to give your driveway one good rinse and leave it to dry completely.
A person cleaning a driveway with a high pressure hose

4Do a porosity test

To determine if your driveway is ready for sealing, you’ll need to perform a porosity test. Once your driveway is dry, place a few drops of water on the surface and watch what happens. If the water is absorbed and the surface darkens, the surface is porous and ready to seal.
Doing a porosity test on a driveway

5Do a moisture test

You’ll also need to perform a moisture test. This is to make sure that your driveway is completely dry.

Secure some black plastic on the driveway with duct tape and leave it for a few hours. When you come back, check to see if there is moisture on the back of the plastic or if the surface has darkened. If so, be patient and allow more drying time before repeating the test. The plastic should be 100 percent dry before sealing your driveway.

5. Doing a moisture test on a concreted driveway

6Product preparation

Once your driveway is completely dry, you’re ready to apply the sealer. Make sure the sealant you have chosen is suitable for driveways. If needed, dilute the first coat as per the instructions on the can.

Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Wear an old pair of shoes while doing your sealing job. The chances of getting the sealer on your shoes is high!
A Bunnings team member using a white bucket, mop and paint tray

7Cut in at the edges

Similar to painting, you’ll want to begin at the edges of your driveway and work your way from top to bottom so that you’re able to seal without needing to step on the wet sealant.
A Bunnings team member using a paint brush to cut in around the edges of a driveway

8Apply seal

Once you’ve painted the edges, apply the sealer to the remainder of the driveway using a roller or stiff bristle brush. Allow to dry. If desired, repeat steps 7 and 8 to apply a second coat once the first has dried completely.

When you’ve finished, check the packaging and allow enough time for the sealer to fully cure before walking or driving on it.

Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: You’ll need a weather window to do this project. Choose a few rain-free days, the cooler the better. (The slower it takes for your sealer to dry, the better it sticks to the surface.)
A Bunnings team member using a long roller to roll paint on a driveway

9Ready to get started?

Head in-store to choose from our wide range of sealants.  If you have any questions, ask a friendly Team Member for help.
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.