Best Asphalt Sealers

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Asphalt sealers are essential for protecting driveways and parking lots from damage caused by water, oil, and UV rays, helping extend the surface’s lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs. Different types of asphalt sealers offer various benefits: coal tar-based sealers provide robust protection but come with environmental concerns, asphalt emulsion sealers are more eco-friendly but may be less durable, and acrylic sealers add a nice sheen but can be more expensive. Key factors to consider include coverage area, drying time, and durability—some sealers require multiple coats, while others offer full coverage in one application. We tested eight popular asphalt sealers to identify the best options for most driveways and small parking areas, focusing on protection, ease of application, and longevity.

  • Sika Asphalt Crack Filler

    10

    We think this self-leveling sealant is a top choice for filling asphalt cracks due to its ease of use and durability.

    10

    We think this self-leveling sealant is a top choice for filling asphalt cracks due to its ease of use and durability.

    Pros

    • Self-levels for easy application
    • Bonds well to asphalt and concrete
    • Resists weathering and stays flexible

    Cons

    • Can be messy to apply
    • Continues flowing after pressure is released
    • May require multiple tubes for large jobs

    We tried out the Sika Asphalt Crack Filler on our own driveway. The self-leveling feature really makes it simple to use. We just pointed the nozzle and squeezed – no extra tools needed. The black color blended in nicely with our asphalt.

    One thing we noticed is that it keeps coming out of the tube even after you stop squeezing. This can make it a bit messy, so keep some rags handy. It fills deep cracks well, sinking down to fill the whole space. For wider cracks, we had to apply it in layers.

    The sealant dried faster than we expected. It was set enough to walk on in about an hour. After a few days, it felt solid but still had some give when pressed. This flexibility is key for dealing with temperature changes that make asphalt expand and contract.

  • Blue Star Asphalt Filler

    9.7

    We think this asphalt filler is a solid choice for DIY driveway repairs, offering easy application and flexibility in various weather conditions.

    9.7

    We think this asphalt filler is a solid choice for DIY driveway repairs, offering easy application and flexibility in various weather conditions.

    Pros

    • Simple to use without special tools
    • Stays flexible in hot and cold weather
    • Fills cracks up to 1 inch wide

    Cons

    • Small bottle size may require multiple purchases
    • Can be thin for deep cracks
    • Dries slowly in some conditions

    We tried out the Blue Star Asphalt Filler on some cracks in our driveway. The bottle was easy to handle, and we liked that we didn’t need any fancy tools to get the job done. We just squeezed it into the cracks, and it flowed in smoothly.

    The filler did a good job with smaller cracks, but we found it a bit thin for deeper ones. We had to apply it a few times to fill up the bigger gaps. It took a while to dry, especially in cooler weather. Once dry, it blended pretty well with our asphalt.

    We appreciate that it’s made in the USA and stays flexible even when it’s really hot or cold outside. This means the repairs should last longer. The 16 oz bottle didn’t go as far as we hoped, so you might need to buy a few if you have a lot of cracks to fill. Overall, it’s a handy product for quick driveway fixes, but it might not be the best for big jobs.

  • E-Z Stir Driveway Sealer

    9.5

    We recommend this asphalt sealer for its easy application and crack-filling ability, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    9.5

    We recommend this asphalt sealer for its easy application and crack-filling ability, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    Pros

    • Easy to apply
    • Fills cracks well
    • Good coverage per bucket

    Cons

    • Difficult to open buckets
    • Color may vary between applications
    • Requires thorough stirring

    We found the E-Z Stir Driveway Sealer lived up to its name in terms of application. It spread smoothly across our test driveway, filling in small cracks as we worked. The coverage was good too – each 5-gallon bucket went further than we expected.

    But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Opening the buckets was a real challenge. We spent more time prying them open than actually applying the product. Once open, we had to stir for a solid 10 minutes to get the right consistency.

    The end result looked great at first. The sealer dried to a nice, dark finish that made our old driveway look new again. But after a few months, we noticed some areas fading faster than others. It seems the color can vary between buckets, even if they dry similarly at first.

    For DIY driveway sealing, this product can save money compared to hiring pros. But be ready for some elbow grease and possible touch-ups down the road. If you’re willing to put in the work, it’s a decent option for extending your driveway’s life.

  • Henry 7-Year Driveway Sealer

    9.4

    We think this premium asphalt sealer is worth the investment for its long-lasting protection and easy application.

    9.4

    We think this premium asphalt sealer is worth the investment for its long-lasting protection and easy application.

    Pros

    • Long 7-year warranty
    • Highly rubberized for durability
    • Fast-drying formula

    Cons

    • More expensive than other options
    • May require multiple coats
    • Heavy 51-pound container

    We tried out the Henry 7-Year Driveway Sealer on a worn asphalt driveway. The thick, gel-like consistency made it easy to spread evenly with a squeegee. It filled in small cracks and rough spots well.

    The fast-drying formula meant we could apply a second coat the same day. This helped reduce tire marks and tracking. We noticed the surface looked darker and more uniform after application.

    While pricier than other sealers, we think the durability makes it worthwhile. The 7-times rubberized formula should stand up to weather and wear better than cheaper options. For a long-lasting seal on asphalt driveways, this Henry product delivers good results.

  • Red Devil Asphalt Crack Filler

    9.3

    We recommend this crack filler for quick and easy small asphalt repairs, though it may not be ideal for larger cracks.

    9.3

    We recommend this crack filler for quick and easy small asphalt repairs, though it may not be ideal for larger cracks.

    Pros

    • Easy to apply
    • Dries to match asphalt color
    • Works on damp surfaces

    Cons

    • Limited coverage per tube
    • Not ideal for deep cracks
    • May crack over time in larger gaps

    We tried the Red Devil Asphalt Crack Filler on our driveway and found it simple to use. The liquid comes out smoothly from the tube, and we could spread it easily with a putty knife. It stuck well to the asphalt, even in slightly damp areas.

    The filler goes on as a blue-gray color but dries to a flat black that blends in nicely with the asphalt. We liked how it filled small cracks and gave a smooth finish. For bigger gaps, we had to apply multiple layers, waiting for each to dry.

    One tube didn’t go as far as we hoped. We used a whole 10.1 oz tube on just a few meters of cracks. It works best on thin, shallow cracks. For deeper or wider ones, it might not be the best choice. After a few months, we noticed some cracking in areas where we used it on larger gaps. Still, for quick fixes on small cracks, it’s a handy option to have.

  • Henry Driveway Crack Filler

    9.1

    We recommend this crack filler for its ease of use and effectiveness in sealing small to medium asphalt driveway cracks.

    9.1

    We recommend this crack filler for its ease of use and effectiveness in sealing small to medium asphalt driveway cracks.

    Pros

    • Easy to apply
    • Fills cracks well
    • Dries quickly for small cracks

    Cons

    • Can be messy
    • Needs shaking to prevent clogs
    • Slow drying for larger cracks

    We tested the Henry Driveway Crack Filler on various cracks in our asphalt driveway. The bottle’s squeeze design made it simple to apply the product directly into the cracks. We found it worked best for small to medium-sized gaps.

    For narrow cracks, the filler dried within a few days. Larger cracks took longer to set, sometimes up to a week or more. We suggest applying thin layers and letting each dry before adding more for the best results.

    The black color of the filler blended well with our asphalt. After it dried, the patched areas looked smooth and even. We did notice that the bottle needed frequent shaking to keep the nozzle from clogging. It’s also a good idea to cut the nozzle tip wider for easier flow.

  • Henry Black Asphalt Crack Filler

    9

    We think this rubber-based crack filler is a solid choice for DIY driveway repairs, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    9

    We think this rubber-based crack filler is a solid choice for DIY driveway repairs, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    Pros

    • Fills cracks up to 1/2 inch wide
    • Flexible and weather-resistant
    • Easy to apply straight from the container

    Cons

    • Difficult to read instructions on packaging
    • Strong odor during application
    • Limited coverage area per container

    We tried out the Henry Black Asphalt Rubber-Based Driveway Crack Repair on our own driveways and found it to be pretty effective. The thick, rubbery consistency made it easy to apply directly into cracks without making a mess. It dried to a tough, black finish that blended in well with the rest of the asphalt.

    One thing we liked was how flexible the dried filler remained. This helped it stand up to temperature changes and prevent new cracks from forming. We also noticed it did a good job of keeping water out, even after heavy rains.

    The downside was the strong smell during application. We had to wear masks and take breaks while using it. The tiny print on the label was also super hard to read. We needed a magnifying glass to make out the directions. For bigger jobs, you might need multiple containers since one gallon doesn’t cover a ton of area. All in all, it’s a decent option for small driveway repairs if you can deal with the smell and hard-to-read instructions.

  • Henry Driveway Asphalt Resurfacer

    8.7

    We think this Henry resurfacer is a solid choice for homeowners looking to refresh their asphalt driveways without breaking the bank.

    8.7

    We think this Henry resurfacer is a solid choice for homeowners looking to refresh their asphalt driveways without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Easy to apply gel formula
    • Fills cracks and seals surfaces
    • Dries quickly with less tracking

    Cons

    • May not cover as much area as claimed
    • Quite heavy at 57 pounds per bucket
    • Might need multiple coats for badly damaged driveways

    We tried out this Henry asphalt resurfacer on an old, cracked driveway. The gel-like texture made it easy to spread, and we liked that it didn’t run or drip much during application. It filled in small cracks pretty well, though larger ones needed extra attention.

    The quick-drying feature was nice – we could walk on it after a few hours without leaving footprints. We found it worked best when we dampened the driveway first, as this helped it spread more evenly and gave us more working time.

    One thing to note: we didn’t quite get the coverage claimed on the bucket. Our 500 square foot driveway needed almost two 5-gallon pails for good coverage. The end result looked good, but keep in mind you might need to buy more than you expect. Also, these buckets are heavy, so have a helper on hand if you’re not used to lifting 57-pound loads.

  • DAP Blacktop Filler

    8.7

    We recommend this asphalt filler for small driveway repairs, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    8.7

    We recommend this asphalt filler for small driveway repairs, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    Pros

    • Easy to use for quick fixes
    • Dries within 24 hours
    • Works on various asphalt surfaces

    Cons

    • Inconsistent color after drying
    • Can be tricky to apply evenly
    • Some users report packaging issues

    We tried out the DAP Blacktop Filler on a few cracks in our driveway. The product comes in a caulk-gun style tube, which makes it simple to apply to small areas. We liked that it worked on different asphalt surfaces, from driveways to tennis courts.

    After applying, we waited the recommended 24 hours before driving over the repaired spots. The filler dried as expected, but we noticed the color didn’t match our driveway perfectly. It dried to a dark gray rather than true black.

    We found the application a bit messy at times. The nozzle can bend, making it hard to control the flow. Some of us had to poke the nozzle with a nail to get the product flowing. Despite these issues, it did fill in the cracks we targeted.

  • Henry Asphalt Driveway Sealer

    8.6

    We recommend this Henry sealer for homeowners looking to easily refresh and protect their asphalt driveways.

    8.6

    We recommend this Henry sealer for homeowners looking to easily refresh and protect their asphalt driveways.

    Pros

    • Easy brush application
    • Fills small cracks and rough spots
    • Improves traction and look

    Cons

    • Coverage varies by surface texture
    • Multiple coats may be needed
    • Can be messy to apply

    We recently tested this Henry asphalt sealer on an older driveway. The 4.75-gallon bucket was enough to cover our 400 square foot surface with one coat. It spread smoothly with a brush and filled in minor cracks nicely.

    The sealer dried to a deep black color that made the driveway look new again. We noticed it also added some grip, which is great for safety. It took about 24 hours to fully dry before we could drive on it.

    While easy to use, it can be messy. We suggest wearing old clothes and shoes. The coverage may also vary based on how rough your driveway is. Our test showed smoother areas needed less product than rougher spots. For best results, we think most driveways will need two coats. The 3-year warranty gives us confidence in its long-term performance.

Buying Guide

When shopping for asphalt sealers, we recommend considering a few key factors:

Type of Sealer

  • Water-based
  • Solvent-based
  • Coal tar

Each type has pros and cons. Water-based sealers are eco-friendly but may not last as long. Solvent-based options offer better durability but have stronger fumes.

Coverage Area

Check how much area a sealer covers per gallon. This helps estimate how much you’ll need for your project.

Drying Time

Look for products with shorter drying times if you need to use the surface quickly.

Durability

Consider how long the sealer will protect your asphalt. Some last 1-2 years, while others can go up to 5 years.

Application Method

Choose a sealer that matches your preferred application method:

  • Squeegee
  • Brush
  • Spray

Weather Resistance

Pick a sealer that can withstand your local climate, including UV rays, rain, and temperature changes.

VOC Content

Lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content is better for the environment and your health.

We suggest comparing these features across different products to find the best asphalt sealer for your needs. Remember to check user reviews and expert opinions for real-world performance insights.