Sealing your driveway is an important way to extend the life of pavements while avoiding high repair costs. However, many people wonder how long it takes for the sealer to dry before you can use it.
It’s ideal to let driveway sealer dry and cure for 24-48 hours. However, if you applied sealer during the spring or summer, you can walk on it after 24 hours, and drive on it after 24 hours. Sealer should always be applied in temperatures that are 50-120F for more efficient drying.
Having said that, there are some things to understand in detail when it comes to drying times of driveway sealer. Read on below to learn more.
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How Long for Driveway Sealer To Dry
Generally speaking, 24-48 hours is enough for driveway sealer to dry whether you use water-based or oil-based sealers. Water-based sealers dry significantly faster than oil-based driveway sealers.
However, there are other factors that affect the drying time on asphalt:
Temperature
The ideal temperature for applying sealer on asphalt is between 50-120F. There should also be no rain forecast for the next 24 hours, at the very least, which is why application from May through September is recommended.
Humidity: Humidity is another major factor that affects the drying time of sealer. The more moisture is in the air, the longer it will take for the sealer to properly dry. For the best results, humidity should be under 60% during sealer application.
Pavement
Sealer should always be applied on asphalt driveways that are completely dry. Sealer application should be postponed if it rained in the last 24 hours.
If you are able to apply sealer while meeting all the ideal conditions, then it can be dry to the touch in as little as 4-8 hours especially if you use a water-based sealer.
Drying Time Before Foot Traffic
It’s always best to wait at least 6 hours after sealing a driveway before walking on it.
Drying Time Before Vehicular Traffic
Let the driveway sealer completely dry for 24-48 hours before driving on it.
Drying Time Before Rain
For the best results, let driveway sealer dry for 8-12 hours before rain exposure. This will ensure that the sealer remains waterproof and helps the driveway surface resist damage from rain.
Conclusion
Sealing your driveway can take up time, effort, and money. To ensure you protect your investment, always wait at least 12 up to 48 hours after sealing, before exposing it to any kind of traffic or the elements.