Sealing A Driveway vs Sealing It With A Coating

A well-maintained driveway does more than provide a safe surface for vehicles; it significantly boosts your home’s curb appeal and property value. Over time, sun exposure, heavy traffic, and harsh weather conditions wear down the surface of your asphalt driveway, leading to cracks, fading, and deterioration. That’s why driveway maintenance is essential for protecting your investment and keeping your driveway looking brand new.

If you’ve been wondering how to coat a driveway or searching for a practical DIY guide on how to seal an asphalt or concrete driveway, you’ve come to the right place. The process requires proper preparation and the right products to ensure long-lasting results. At Armor Garage, we make this easy with premium asphalt coating solutions designed for DIY users who want a professional finish without hiring contractors.

You can use an off-the-shelf sealer or stain on your driveway for short-term protection, or you can use a high-quality, high-performance coating that’s more of a permanent solution. Our Surface Bond cures to form a thick, super-tough layer on the surface of your driveway, while also penetrating it to create an unbreakable bond. While sealers and stains are water-thin and reside mostly below the surface, they wear off much quicker than you can hope for.

Why Seal Coating Your Asphalt or Concrete Driveway Matters

Newly installed asphalt paving starts smooth and black, and concrete is nice and clean-looking, but over time, UV rays, water infiltration, and vehicle fluids stain and break it down. Without proper protection, cracks and potholes form, reducing both the lifespan and appearance of your driveway surface.

Applying a high-quality driveway coating is the best way to protect against these issues. A good coating not only seals but also shields your driveway from water, chemicals, and sun damage, providing a much thicker layer of protection on the surface compared to just a paper-thin layer of sealer or stain. Making it very vulnerable to rapid wear from tire abrasion. This simple step of using the right quality coating, rather than a sealer or stain, extends the life of your asphalt pavement or concrete slab and enhances your property’s curb appeal. Our Surface Bond asphalt and concrete coating is many times thicker than any sealer and will outlast sealers by a factor of 4:1. Sealers and stains are what we call a 'kick the can down the road' driveway solution. They’re inexpensive and can temporarily alleviate your issues. But they always come back. That’s where Surface Bonds shines. It's made to last and can be applied in many different colors, not just black. It’s also nontoxic, unlike most asphalt sealers on the market.

Common Problems Without Sealing or Coating

Failing to seal or coat your driveway leads to costly repairs and time-consuming maintenance. Here are some common issues unprotected driveways face:

• Cracks and Small Cracks – These allow water to seep below the paved surface, causing expansion and more damage during freeze-thaw cycles.
• Potholes and Patch Repairs – When left untreated, cracks evolve into potholes that require expensive fixes.
• Stains and Oil Damage – Gasoline, oil, and chemical spills soak into unprotected asphalt surfaces, weakening their integrity.

By applying Armor Garage’s DIY asphalt & concrete coating, you prevent these problems and maintain a smooth, durable driveway for years.

How to Coat a Driveway Yourself

The good news is that coating your driveway doesn’t require a contractor. With the right tools and Armor Garage’s Surface bond coating, you can achieve the same results on your own. Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Remove dirt, dust, and oil stains with a strong driveway cleaner. A clean surface ensures the coating bonds properly.

2. Repair Cracks and Holes

Before applying the seal coat, fill any gaps using ArmorGarage Crack & Joint Compound on concrete or ArmorGarage Asphalt patch filler. This prevents water infiltration and structural damage.

3. Apply the Surface Bond Coating

Once your driveway surface is clean and repaired, apply Armor Garage’s Surface Bond evenly in two coats. Our kits come with everything you need for a smooth, hassle-free application.

4. Allow Proper Drying Time

After coating, allow adequate time for the coating to cure. This ensures a strong, long-lasting finish that protects your driveway from weather and traffic.

Unlike DIY attempts with inexpensive hardware-store products, Armor Garage offers commercial-grade coating, making the process straightforward while delivering professional, long-lasting, and beautiful results.

Why Choose Armor Garage DIY Kits Over Hiring Contractors?

Hiring a contractor can be expensive and often unnecessary when you have access to professional-quality products. Armor Garage offers:

• High-Performance Coatings – Our formulas provide long-lasting protection against water, oil, and UV rays. They outperform all sealers and stains.
• Complete DIY Kits – Everything you need for coating is included, no extra trips to the store.
• Cost Savings – Save thousands compared to professional services and get a higher quality finished product.
• Ease of Application – Designed for homeowners, our products ensure a clean, even finish without specialized equipment.

When it comes to asphalt and concrete maintenance, our DIY solutions give you full control, save money, and deliver results that last.

How Often Should You Seal Your Driveway?

For maximum protection, it's recommended to seal your asphalt or concrete driveway every 2–3 years or less with a sealer or stain, depending on climate and usage.  If you ever sealed or stained your driveway, you know it’s most likely less. Heavy-traffic areas or parking lots require sealers more frequently.

Surface Bond is designed to provide 10 years or more of heavy-duty service. Thus, coating your driveway with Surface Bond is significantly cheaper in the long run, not to mention the time and effort it saves. Doing your driveway is not a fun pastime.

Understanding the Materials

Unlike basic sealants found at local stores, Armor Garage Surface Bond is formulated for heavy-duty performance. Our products resist peeling, cracking,  weathering, and wearing from tire abrasion, while maintaining flexibility. Combined with our patch material and filler, you get superior coverage and long-lasting protection across every square foot of your driveway surface.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your driveway, whether it's made of concrete or asphalt, is essential for enhancing curb appeal and preventing expensive repairs. By using a high-quality coating, you shield your driveway from water damage, chemical spills, and harsh weather conditions, ensuring it stays smooth and durable for years.

At Armor Garage, we specialize in top-tier epoxy floor coatings, as well as concrete, asphalt coatings, and deck coatings, all designed for DIY homeowners who want unbeatable quality and ease of application.
Our products provide everything you need for long-lasting results without the high cost of professional services. Discover our comprehensive range of products and experience the ultimate solution for driveway protection. For more information or to get started, contact us today!