Which Type of Sealer Should I Use on My Driveway?
9th February 2022Whether you’ve just laid a new driveway or you’re looking after an existing one, a driveway sealer is the finishing touch that protects it from the weather, foot traffic and the weight of vehicles. The right driveway sealer depends on what your drive is made from, so this guide matches each surface to the right Resiblock product and helps you choose between finishes.
- Choose a driveway sealer made for your surface: block paving, tarmac, imprinted concrete, resin and natural stone each need a different product
- For block paving, Resiblock Superior Matt and Superior Gloss are the only sealers in Europe with a No Oil Stains Guarantee
- A sealed driveway is protected for up to 5 years
Why use a driveway sealer?
- Kerb appeal: a well-kept driveway makes a strong first impression, which matters if you plan to sell your home.
- Colour retention: strong UV rays can fade and discolour unsealed paving.
- Longer life: a sealed driveway needs less maintenance and lasts longer before it needs replacing.
- Fewer weeds: sealing locks jointing sand in place, so weeds can’t take root.
- Protection from spills: oil and fuel leaks can’t soak into the surface, so there are no unsightly stains.
Which driveway sealer is right for your surface?
Each driveway material behaves differently, so a sealer that works well on one can be the wrong choice for another. Use this table to find the right product for your drive.
| Driveway surface | Recommended sealer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete block paving | Superior Matt or Superior Gloss | Binds jointing sand and protects each block from oil and stains |
| Clay block paving | Superior Matt | Suitable for clay pavers, applied as a single coat |
| Tarmac | Resimac | Restores faded tarmac rather than sealing joints |
| Pattern imprinted concrete | PIC sealers | Made for continuous concrete surfaces |
| Resin bound | Resinbound Refresh | Designed to refresh and protect resin surfaces |
| Natural stone | Indian Sandstone Sealer Invisible | Penetrates porous stone without changing its look |
Matt or gloss: choosing a block paving driveway sealer
For block paving, we recommend Resiblock Superior. Launched in the UK in 1993, it’s widely regarded as the industry’s best block paving sealer and is the only product in Europe to offer a No Oil Stains Guarantee. The main decision is the finish.
Resiblock Superior Matt
- FinishNatural look
- CoatsTwo (one on clay)
- Coverage3m² then 6m² per litre
- Best forKeeping the original look
Resiblock Superior Gloss
- FinishWet look
- CoatsTwo
- Coverage3m² then 6m² per litre
- Best forRicher, deeper colour
Both last up to 5 years, stop weeds and ants settling in the joints, prevent loss of jointing sand and are unaffected by de-icing salts.
When to seal your driveway
Timing makes a big difference to the finish. Seal on a dry day when the surface temperature is between 3°C and 30°C, with no rain forecast for at least 12 hours. If your driveway is newly laid, wait at least 8 weeks before sealing. Late spring to early autumn usually offers the most reliable conditions in the UK.
When you’re ready, follow our application guidelines and pick up rollers and scuttles from our application products range.
Still deciding?
Order samples to see the finish on your own drive, or find a professional installer near you.
Driveway Sealer FAQs
What is the best driveway sealer?
The best driveway sealer depends on your surface, but for block paving Resiblock recommends Resiblock Superior Matt.
Launched in 1993, it is the only product in Europe with a No Oil Stains Guarantee. It stops weeds and ants settling in the joints, prevents loss of jointing sand and protects for up to 5 years.
Explore Resiblock Superior Matt, or choose Resiblock Superior Gloss if you prefer a wet look finish.
Should I choose a matt or gloss driveway sealer?
Choose matt if you want to keep the natural look of your paving, or gloss for a richer, wet look finish.
Both finishes offer the same protection, coverage and lifespan, so the choice comes down to appearance. If your driveway is clay block paving, Superior Matt is the option to go for.
Not sure which you’ll prefer? Order Resiblock samples to test both on your driveway.
What sealer should I use on a tarmac or resin driveway?
Tarmac driveways need a tarmac restorer such as Resimac, while resin bound driveways need a dedicated resin sealer.
Block paving sealers are designed to bind jointing sand and protect individual pavers, so they aren’t the right choice for continuous surfaces. Matching the product to the surface gives the best finish and longest protection.
Choose Resimac for tarmac or Resiblock Resinbound Refresh for resin bound surfaces.
How long before I can drive on a sealed driveway?
Keep vehicles off a newly sealed block paving driveway for up to 24 hours, and avoid walking on it for 3 hours.
Curing time depends on the temperature and conditions on the day, so plan the job for a period when you can keep the drive clear. Moving cars before you start avoids tyre marks in the fresh coating.
Want a professional finish? Use the Resiblock Find a Contractor tool to find an installer near you.