Are you sick of seeing the same old, dirty path every time you come home?
Do you want the surfaces outside to look fresh and clean?
If so, you should know something about sealing and covering. This process not only makes your driveway look better, but it also keeps it from getting damaged by weather, oil spills, and other things that happen outside. In this article, I’ll talk about how to clean a driveway and what sealing and coating can do for you. Get ready to change your outdoor space and show off your clean driveway to your neighbors.
Sealing and Coating Outdoor Surfaces
Protecting your property from the weather by sealing and coating outdoor surfaces
When it comes to outdoor areas, protecting them from the weather is the best way to make sure they last long and look good.
Sealing and covering are two ways to work toward this goal.
Sealcoating for Pavement
Sealcoating is the process of covering ground with a protective layer or membrane to keep it from getting damaged.
It makes a barrier that keeps the sun, gasoline, rock salt, oil, and ice from damaging the concrete or other surface.
A liquid base, water, silica sand, polymer additives, and other fillers are added to a liquid base to make the mixture.
Most sealants are made from solutions that are either bituminous or based on acrylic.
Sealing the sidewalk is another name for the process of putting down a sealant.
Sealing Painted Wood
Sealing painted wood is quick and easy, and it can help keep the wood looking good and make it last longer.
The outdoors can be hard on painted wood, but you can fix some of the damage by adding more coats and sealants.
The best way to seal wood that has been sprayed with paint made for the outside is to add another layer or two of paint made for the outside.
There is no need for clear coverings.
Prepping Outdoor Surfaces
Getting outdoor areas ready to be painted, stained, or sealed is important if you want the paint, stain, or sealer to work well and last for years.
Moss, algae, mold, and mildew will grow to the surface if you leave them on the surface and then paint, stain, or seal them.
Your finished project will get ugly black and green spots over time.
Wet & Forget Outdoor is a solution that can be used to clean outdoor surfaces before painting, staining, or sealing them.
Wet & Forget Outdoor doesn’t have bleach in it and isn’t acidic, so it won’t hurt or change the color of new paint, stain, or seal coat.
Sealing Outdoor Concrete Surfaces
As part of hardscape maintenance, it is also important to seal concrete areas that are outside.
Sealer for concrete is like car wax in that a lot of people don’t use it and then regret it when the paint starts to peel.
At first, you might not think you need a sealer, but after a few years of weather and use, concrete can get ruined and stained.
About every three years, you should put a coat of sealer on the surface to make it resistant to scratches and spots, stop moisture problems, and protect it from the weather and use.
A penetrating concrete sealer is generally better than a film-forming product, both for safety and because the end result will last longer and look more real and natural, especially when sealing stamped concrete.
Sealing Pavers
Pavers also need to be sealed for a number of reasons.
Sealed pavers don’t let oil or dirt in, don’t let weeds, moss, or mold grow, don’t get damaged by UV rays or the cycle of freezing and melting, and help keep bugs out.
Sealing pavers can also make the building last longer because the sealant hardens the joint sands and locks the pavers together.
Before resealing pavers, they need to be cleaned very well to make sure that any dirt on the surface doesn’t get sealed in.
Benefits of Sealing and Coating
Sealing and coating outdoor surfaces can help keep their look, make them last longer, protect them from weathering and harsh weather, and save money on maintenance costs.
But it’s important to think about the type of surface and the sealing or coating that will be used, as well as how much seal coating will cost and how it will affect the environment.
It’s also important to clean outdoor areas before sealing or coating them to make sure the sealant or coating works well and lasts for years.
Painted Wood
Wooden chairs, tables, and playthings that have been painted can be sealed to protect them from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can break apart the molecules that hold the protective paint together.
Exterior-grade paint doesn’t need to be protected with a clear coat, but if you do decide to clear-coat painted wood, some oil-based and latex paints can turn an amber color under the clear coat.
Exterior Surfaces
Exterior sealers can be used to protect and keep water out of porous surfaces like decks, fences, driveways, patios, and paths.
Acrylic sealers are easy to use, inexpensive, and work well outdoors because they are resistant to UV light, don’t turn yellow, and are breathable.
This means they keep water out while letting moisture air in the slab escape.
Epoxy or polyurethane sealers are more expensive than acrylics, and because they lay down a thicker layer, they can make a patio or path slippery.
Concrete Surfaces
Concrete driveways and patios can also be sealed to avoid stains like dirt, leaves, lawn chemicals, food spills, and ash from fire pits from making them look dirty.
Wet-look sealers can be used to bring out the color of stamped, colored, or textured concrete surfaces, like those on patios and pool decks.
Penetrating sealers are another option that protect well against the elements without leaving a film on the surface.
Importance of Cleaning Outdoor Surfaces
Before painting, staining, or sealing an outdoor surface, it’s important to make sure it’s clean and free of any growth.
This will help the paint, stain, or sealer work well and last for years.
Left on the surface and covered with paint, stain, or sealer, moss, algae, mold, and mildew will grow and finally make their way to the surface, leaving ugly black and green stains on the finished project.
Wet & Forget Outdoor is a product that can be used to clean outdoor surfaces before painting, coloring, or sealing them.
It does not contain bleach or acids that could damage or change the color of new finishes.
Considerations for Sealing and Coating Outdoor Surfaces
When sealing and coating outdoor areas, it is important to think about both the type of surface and the type of sealant or coating used.
Some painted wood or exterior-grade paint doesn’t need more than two coats of paint to keep it safe outside.
Also, business owners and homeowners should think about how much seal coating costs and how it affects the environment.
They should ask themselves if it is important and how often they should do it.
Process of Sealing and Coating
Cleaning the Surface
Before you paint, stain, or seal outdoor surfaces, you need to make sure they are clean and free of any growth.
This will help the product work well and last for years.
Left on the surface and covered with paint, stain, or sealer, moss, algae, mold, and mildew will grow and finally make their way to the surface, leaving ugly stains.
For concrete decks, the surface must be clean and free of dirt, oil stains, old coatings, and anything else that could stop sealer from getting in.
Most of the time, all that is needed is a good cleaning with soap and water and a light coat of the same finish that was used at first.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions when switching to a different brand or type of sealer.
Wet & Forget Outdoor is a solution that can be used to clean outdoor surfaces before painting, staining, or sealing them.
Before applying the sealer or coating, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions and let the surface dry completely.
Sealing finished wood surfaces is important to keep the wood looking nice and to make it last longer.
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) and warm water should be used to clean the surface, which should then be wiped down with a sponge or rag.
With a brush, a polyurethane finish can be put on the surface after it has dried.
Once the sealer has dried to a hard finish, the surface can be lightly scraped with sandpaper and the dust can be cleaned up with a vacuum.
Multi-surface waterproofer can be used to keep water from getting into porous outdoor things like concrete birdbaths, clay pots, wooden birdhouses and feeders, and paper maps.
This keeps water from causing damage like freezing and cracking.
For big areas, you can use a garden sprayer to put on the waterproofer.
For smaller areas, you can use a can.
The surface needs to dry for 48 hours before it can be used.
Sealing and Coating Outdoor Surfaces
The steps for sealing and coating outdoor areas depend on the type of surface and the type of sealer or coating being used.
Driveways and decks made of concrete can be sealed every few years to keep them looking good and make them last longer.
For new or large driveways, it’s best to hire a pro to do the job.
Once a year, asphalt pathways should be sealed.
Wood that has been painted with paint made for the outside does not need a clear coat to seal it.
Two or more coats of paint on the outside are already enough to protect it from the elements.
If you do decide to clear-coat painted wood, you should know that some oil-based and latex paints can turn an amber color under polyurethane coats.
To see if the color changes, you should test the sealer on an unnoticeable part of the painted surface.
Most concrete patios only need to be cleaned with soap and water and then given a light coat of the same finish that was used at first.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions when switching to a different brand or type of sealer.
Multi-surface waterproofer can be used to keep water from getting into porous outdoor things like concrete birdbaths, clay pots, wooden birdhouses and feeders, and paper maps.
This keeps water from causing damage like freezing and cracking.
Materials and Cost
Keeping outdoor areas in good shape is important to make sure they last and protect them from the weather.
Depending on the type of outdoor surface and the type of sealer or finish being used, different materials are needed to seal and coat it.
Cleaning Outdoor Surfaces
Before putting on any sealant or covering, the surface needs to be clean.
Left on the surface and covered with paint, stain, or sealer, moss, algae, mold, and mildew will finally make their way to the surface and leave ugly stains.
Wet & Forget Outdoor is a product that can be used to clean outdoor surfaces without hurting or changing the color of new paint, stain, or seal coat finishes.
Sealing Outdoor Surfaces
For driveways, a sealcoating material is needed to create a membrane that protects the concrete or other substrate from the damaging effects of the sun, gasoline, rock salt, and other things.
The driveway needs to be cleaned and prepared before the sealant is applied.
This can be done with hand tools like shovels and push brooms, or with outdoor power equipment like a string trimmer, blower, and pressure washer.
A brush can be used to work thicker sealants into the rougher surface of older sidewalks, while a squeegee can be used to spread thinner sealants.
A finish is needed to protect natural wood surfaces from water damage and keep them looking nice outside.
Because wood is porous, it soaks up water easily, which can damage it over time.
A finish can be used to keep water from damaging the wood.
A water- or oil-based polyurethane sealer can be used to protect painting wood surfaces from the weather.
Some oil-based and latex paints, on the other hand, can turn an orange color when coated with polyurethane, so it’s important to test the sealer on an unnoticeable part of the painted surface to see if the color changes.
Cost of Sealing and Coating Outdoor Surfaces
The cost to seal and coat outdoor areas depends on the type of surface, the size of the area, and the type of sealant used.
The estimated cost covers the cost of labor, equipment, and materials, as well as the cost of setting up and cleaning up.
Depending on the size of the job, the conditions, and the choices, sealing a surface can cost anywhere from $2.30 to $5.27 per square foot.
For example, the cost of sealing concrete can range from $1,250 to $1,750, with an average cost of $1,500 for the whole job.
If you hire a pro, it will cost between $48 and $180 to sealcoat a 600-square-foot parking area.
If you do it yourself, it will cost between $0.15 and $0.25 per square foot.
Sealing a driveway can cost anywhere from $250 to $768, with $486 being the average cost across the country.
The cost estimate does not include the cost of masking tape and paper, surface repair material, solvents, and cleaning products, which are usually needed to seal the surface.
Before a surface can be covered, it has to be free of dust, oil, and other particles.
Depending on how dirty it is, it may need to be power washed by a professional before it can be sealed.
This can cost up to $300.
The price of eco-friendly driveway sealers ranges from $0.25 to $0.38 per square foot.
These sealants cost $0.15 to $0.20 per square foot, last up to four years, are better for the environment than coal tar, and are a good choice for homes who don’t want to use harsh chemicals.
DIY or Professional
Taking care of outdoor areas is an important part of being a homeowner.
Regular cleaning and sealing can help protect a driveway, patio, or deck from the weather and keep them looking their best.
But the question still stands: Should you try to clean and seal these areas on your own or hire a pro?
DIY versus Professional
Depending on the surface and the sealant or coating used, sealing and coating outdoor areas can be done by a professional or by a do-it-yourselfer.
For example, sealing a driveway is usually a good do-it-yourself job that doesn’t require any special skills besides being careful when pouring and applying the sealant.
But some sealants and coatings can’t be made at home because they need professional equipment that heats the tar to make it flow.
Sealing and coating outdoor objects should only be done when the weather is dry and the temperature is above 50 degrees.
Also, the surface should be clean and as ready as possible to take the finish.
Most companies that try to sell driveway sealing with paint or a brush do so because they don’t have the right tools.
The Process
How long it takes to seal and coat something varies on the surface and the product used.
For instance, sealing a sidewalk shouldn’t take more than a weekend and should be done when it’s dry and above 50 degrees.
With a two-coat method, it can take up to 48 hours for the sealant to harden.
Before people or cars can walk or drive on concrete areas, the sealer needs to be completely dry, which can take several hours.
The second coat of sealant should be put on after the maker tells you to wait, which is usually between two and four hours.
Cleaning the Surface
Before you paint, stain, or seal an outdoor surface, it’s important to make sure it’s clean and free of any growth.
Left on the surface and covered with paint, stain, or sealer, moss, algae, mold, and mildew will grow and finally make their way to the surface, leaving ugly stains.
Wet & Forget Outdoor can be used to clean the surface, and once the moss, mold, mildew, or algae have been removed, it is safe to paint, stain, or finish.
Product Longevity
On flat surfaces, Ready Seal should last between 1 and 3 years, and on vertical surfaces, it should last between 3 and 5 years.
Horizontal surfaces get more contact to sunlight, weather, and foot traffic than vertical surfaces, so they don’t last as long.
Every two years on horizontal surfaces and every three to four years on vertical surfaces, you should give wood a light cleaning and recoat to keep it in good shape.
Note: Please keep in mind that the estimate in this article is based on information available when it was written.
It’s just for informational purposes and shouldn’t be taken as a promise of how much things will cost.
Prices, rates, and fees can change because of things like market changes, changes in regional costs, inflation, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Key takeaways
In the end, sealing and painting your driveway is about more than just making it look nice. It’s about keeping it safe from the weather and making sure it lasts a long time. But have you ever thought about how cleaning your yard affects nature? Some cleaning products contain chemicals that can hurt plants and animals and even get into our water source.
Then, what should we do? Think about using cleaning products that are good for the environment or even making your own with vinegar and baking soda. And if you really want to make a difference, why not use a power washer that uses less water and doesn’t need any chemicals at all?
At the end of the day, we have to be responsible for how we affect the world. We can make a big difference in the world by making small changes to how we clean our driveways. So, let’s all do what we can to keep our public areas clean and green.
Looking for a new Pressure washer?
Choosing a gadget can be very difficult if you know nothing about the technology.
Some will pay for features they do not need while others may not consider what they really want.
So I created this quick, newbie guide to help you focus on what is really important to you:
The Best Pressure Washer (For You!)
What are some ways you can keep the outside of a house clean?
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Links and references
- Guide to Concrete Repair by the US Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation
- Article from Concrete Decor™ The Journal of Decorative Concrete
- Document from the US Environmental Protection Agency on the rehabilitation of wastewater structures
- Home Depot and Lowe’s guides and tutorials on driveway cleaning and sealing
- Rust-Oleum and Behr product information on sealing and coating products
- usbr.gov
- thisoldhouse.com
- thespruce.com
- concretenetwork.com
- homewyse.com
My article on the topic:
Discover the Benefits of Driveway Cleaning
Memoir to self: (Article status: blueprint)
