How Much Driveway Sealer Do You Need?
Calculate driveway sealer quantities and cost by driveway dimensions.
Driveway Sealer Coverage
Coverage depends on driveway condition: Good condition: 75-90 sq ft per gallon. Fair: 55-70 sq ft/gal (porous surface absorbs more). Poor: 40-55 sq ft/gal. Always apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat — thin coats cure properly and last 50-100% longer. A 480 sq ft driveway (40×12) needs approximately 12-16 gallons (3 five-gallon buckets) for two coats.
When and How to Seal
When: Every 2-3 years, or when water no longer beads on the surface. New driveways: wait 6-12 months before first seal. How: Fill all cracks first (let cure 24 hours), clean driveway thoroughly, apply sealer with squeegee or roller on a dry day above 50°F with no rain forecast for 24-48 hours. Time: Most homeowners complete a two-car driveway in 3-4 hours (including prep).
The best driveway sealing tip most people miss: clean the driveway with a pressure washer or strong detergent AND let it dry completely (24-48 hours) before sealing. Sealer applied over dirt, oil, or moisture peels off within a season. Proper surface prep is 70% of a good sealing job — the actual application is the easy part.
