The Questions

I recently had my Tarmac driveway laid, how long should I wait before sealing?
I have put the sealer down too thick and am getting 'mud cracks'.
What temperature is best for sealing asphalt?
How Long Should I Expect The Sealcoat To Last?
What problems is Trowel Patch used for?
How do I remove grass from my driveway cracks?
Is there an easy way to mix the pails?
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?
I have spilled sealer on an area that I shouldn't have. What is the best way to clean it up?
My cat/dog has walked through a recently coated driveway... what should I do?
I just finished my first coat and now that it is dry, it is full of squeegee marks. I can tell each pass back and forth. The texture of each pass catches the light differently. Like vacuuming a carpet in different directions. Is there a technique issue? What can I do to change this?
I have just finished my driveway and there are two clearly different shades of black. What has happened / what can I do to fix this?

Under normal drying conditions, (temperatures above 75°F, clear sunny skies, and humidity below 35%) this driveway sealer can be open to foot traffic in just 1 hour after application. (For vehicle traffic, you must allow 24 hours for product to completely cure.). This driveway sealer by the ToughCrete is user-friendly and highly effective. It is among the best driveway sealers as per consumer ratings and reports. If you are looking for a reliable driveway sealer, the ToughCrete certainly crops up, among others, available in the market. The Black Jack Driveway Filler and Sealer is best applied using a squeegee. It’s best to give your driveway a good wash down first using a power washer; there’s no need for soap. However, if you do have some oil and gas spots, follow it up with a brush soaked in soap and water.

The Answers

I recently had my Tarmac driveway laid, how long should I wait before sealing?

We recommend waiting at least 6 months prior to sealing to allow the natural distillates to emit from the Tarmac. If your driveway beads up when water is sprayed on it ... your driveway is not ready yet. Applying sealer too soon can result in the sealer failing and not bonding properly.

I have put the sealer down too thick and am getting 'mud cracks'.

Blackjack Driveway Sealer Dry Times

Well, #1 we strongly recommend using the proper tool...our 50cm 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.

What temperature is best for sealing asphalt?

Best Concrete Sealer For Driveways

For the sealers to adhere, the asphalt temperature must be 10 degrees C and rising. Typically March through early October are prime sealing days. Though most of us wait until autumn to seal the driveway, you don't have to. Once the temperature starts to get chilly and dip below 10 degrees C at night for an extended period of time (i.e. all night) it is too late to seal, and the sealer will not adhere properly - it may peel. DO NOT APPLY when rain or fog is imminent or likely within 48 hours.

How Long Should I Expect The Sealcoat To Last?

Latexite Sealcoats will dramatically improve the look of an existing driveway for many years. It is quite normal for the material to wear from the top of exposed stone aggregates as these small pieces are generally proud of the surface bitumen binder. They are dense and smooth making it impossible for a coating to form a good mechanical key or penetrate. (This is no different to the original bitumen binder wearing from the top of the aggregates on a brand new tarmac driveway. As the sealcoats are generally weaker than fresh bitumen, the wear will be substantially quicker). Wear from darker aggregates will be less apparent than similar wear from lighter colour aggregates. Generally the aggregates becoming noticeable is not a concern for homeowners as the tarmac area remains dramatically improved from the original and the bitumen binder between the aggregate is protected from further deteroration.

The degree of wear on the tops of the aggregate will be dependent on their size and how much the original bitumen binder has degraded. Greater degradation will increase stone exposure which in turn increases the wearing forces on the tops of the stones. All Tarmac Sealcoats perform best on tarmac which has a fairly smooth and closed surface, constructed from larger, flatter and darker aggregates however, regardless of the type of aggregate or the condition of the original tarmac, Latexite Sealcoats really do bring an area ‘back to black’, camouflage any unsightly stains or reinstatements and will massively transform the overall look and improve the ‘kerb appeal’ of the driveway and parking area of any home or commercial hardstanding.

What problems is Trowel Patch used for?

'Trowel Patch' is used for minor areas of repair. This product is ideal for depressions, cracks, and areas of alligation (rough areas). This product should be applied no thicker than 12mm lifts at a time. Two to three lifts might be necessary to fill troubled areas - make sure each lift has fully set up prior to applying another coat.

How do I remove grass from my driveway cracks?

Pull and/or scrape out the weeds with a screwdriver and clean crack with stiff brush. You may also purchase weed killer at your local garden center but you will have to wait for weeds to die. Another solution, believe it or not, is to put table salt in the cracks... within a couple of days the grass should be gone.

Is there an easy way to mix the pails?

Flip over the pail at least 24 hours prior to using the product. (Carefully inspect the lid to insure it is secure before turning over).

'Batch' or 'box' the pails by having an empty bucket there and mixing them all back and forth. This will ensure uniform consistency as sometimes you purchase a pail that may be older or from a different batch.

Latex-ite® now makes it easy for you to mix driveway sealer with it's NEW Driveway Sealer Mix Kit^TM! It's easy to use, will ensure a consistent batch and it's re-usable! It also works with paint, joint compounds, mortar mix ... you name it. Just wash it off and re-use. Oh, it comes with a patented anti-spill skirt so you stay clean.

What tool do I use to seal my driveway?

The best applicator for a smooth, closed surface driveway is a squeegee. Driveway brushes and rollers are the best option for older, more worn and porous driveways. If there are large voids between the aggregate on your driveway, using a squeegee will fill in these voids, dramatically reducing coverage rates and may lead to the surface cracking, see mud cracks above.

APPLICATION TIP: Apply the sealer using a squeegee in a strip of about one metre wide, and then run over the area with a masonary roller to even out the sealer and prevent pooling in low or rough spots.

If you want to edge the driveway first, you may do so with a paint brush.

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.

I have spilled sealer on an area that I shouldn't have. What is the best way to clean it up?

All of our asphalt driveway sealers will wash off with soap and water when the sealer is still wet.

My cat/dog has walked through a recently coated driveway... what should I do?

All Latexite products are non-hazardous. If the sealer is still wet, rinse your pet's paws off immediately using water. If the driveway sealer has dried on their paws it will not track, and it will eventually wear off.

I just finished my first coat and now that it is dry, it is full of squeegee marks. I can tell each pass back and forth. The texture of each pass catches the light differently. Like vacuuming a carpet in different directions. Is there a technique issue? What can I do to change this?

Application marks are common on smooth driveways as the sealer has nothing to grab on to. Below please find a few hints to ensure your second coat comes out better:

• Mix the pails thoroughly. Mixing the pails will thin the product, breaking down the gel feature. A thinner product is easier to squeegee.
• Be sure to break in the squeegee, put a weight on it so the rubber bends and flexes easier.
• Apply early in the morning, when the asphalt temp is cooler. This will prevent the coating from drying too quickly and the product from becoming too thick.
• While applying in a side to side manner, slightly twist the handle lifting up on the outer edge of the squeegee.

I have just finished my driveway and there are two clearly different shades of black. What has happened / what can I do to fix this?

This can be the result of a few things that you should AVOID:

• Starting and stopping.
• Not keeping the bead wet on the asphalt... ie. Don't run a full pail out then start a fresh one. Keep the bead wet as you continue to next pail.
• Different purchases of product. Try and do the entire project at one time.

So a few years ago, you decided to get that asphalt driveway put in. The dark black shine added richness to your homes curb appeal right from the start. Slowly over time the beating sun, rain, snow and daily wear and tear can started to show. Left unprotected your driveway will give way to the cracks and ruts. However, treated well and maintained your driveway could last you twenty to thirty years. Black Jack Asphalt Sealer is just what you need to keep it in perfect shape or breath life back into your investment.

The condition of your driveway dictates the type of help it needs. Black Jack Asphalt Sealer has a multitude of products to suit your specific needs. Sealers are designed to do just that seal but the Gardner-Gibson Company has developed an entire line of products to help you actually repair your driveway not just cover it up. With a new driveway you want to wait at least six months, including a full summer before you seal it. After the designated amount of time you want to spray your driveway with water to see if it ready to be treated. If water beads than it’s not fully cured and you will need to wait a little longer.

Black Jack Ultra-Maxx 1000

Black Jack Driveway Filler And Sealer Urethane Blacktop 4.75 Gl 10 Yr Warranty

• Size: 4.75 gallon
• Foot traffic ready in just 1 hour
• Advanced gel is fast & E-Z to apply
• Fast dry reduces tracking
• Urethane enhanced for longest life

This fast drying, rubberized sealant is enhanced with a latex polymer has a ten year limited warranty. Easy to apply, Black Jack Ultra-Maxx gives ultimate durability and the ability to open your driveway up to foot traffic in just one hour after application. You can drive your vehicle on it in just twenty four hours after a complete cure. One five gallon bucket covers up to 350 square feet. Two coats applied two to four apart are recommended. Although it maybe a little more expensive than other sealers, with the increased durability and ten year warranty it maybe more cost effective.

Read my full Black Jack Ultra-Maxx 1000 Review for more info.

Black Jack Drive-Kote 500

Black Jack Drive-Maxx 500 Matte Black Water-Based Rubberized Asphalt Driveway Sealer 4.75 gal.

• Drive kote 500 filler sealer, e-z stir
• Renews blacktop surfaces
• Enhanced with latex
• Two thin coats recommended
• Apply second coat 3 - 6 hours after the first coat

This good quality sealer is mixed with latex and sand to fill small surface cracks has a five year limited warranty. Apply two coats three to six hours apart.

Read my full opinion on this sealer in my Black Jack Drive Kote 500 Review.

Black Jack Speed Patch

GARDNER-GIBSON 6460-9-20 Patch Hole Repair

• The product is 10LB Patch Hole Repair
• Easy to use
• The product is manufactured in China

Black Jack Speed Patch is a fast acting driveway repair kit that is great for patching small cracks. If you’re trying to resurface a larger area of your driveway though, look elsewhere.

Read my full Black Jack Speed Patch Review for more info.

Black Jack Drive-Maxx 700

This is a better quality rubberized filler with sand particles to fill small cracks. It is also enhanced with latex to improve performance and durability. With a limited seven year warranty, you can cover 350 square feet with a five gallon bucket. This should be applied in two coats, three to six hours apart.

Black Jack Maxx 600

Providing you with a premium quality rubberized resurface, this product renews the look of your older, worn driveway. A blend of asphalt, sand and latex it fills cracks and smooths blemishes.

Black Jack New Black 300

Renew the worn surface look of your asphalt while filling small cracks. New Black should be applied in two coats and cures in about two hours. One bucket will provide you with three hundred to three hundred and fifty square feet of coverage, depending on the application.

Black Jack Drive-Seal 200

This sealer is strictly for only slight cracks. With a two year limited warranty you can feel confident in using it.

Black Jack Speed-Coat

Made of 100% acrylic resin this sealant provides a rich, black finish. It is designed to improved the look of a driveway already in good condition. It is not intended for cracked or worn asphalt. Speed coat is quick drying, so it allows for foot traffic in as little as one hour and can be completely cured for vehicle traffic in four to six hours.

Black Jack CAS-73 Commercial

This sealer is for those high traffic areas such as parking lots, business driveways and schools. It is easy to apply by brush, squeegee or with a professional sprayer. A five gallon bucket will cover three hundred and eighty square feet.

With Black Jack Asphalt Sealer’s quick dry time is wonderful for families with small children or pets by helping reduce the risk of lasting foot prints on the driveway or worse inside on your carpet. The ability for a quick cure means your car will spend time either out by the curb or in your lawn. From the smallest job to a busy parking lot, it does not matter, Black Jack Asphalt Sealer has a product just right for you.