Thompson’s Quick Drying Drive Seal 5L
Thompson’s Quick Drying Drive Seal 5L is a fast-drying black coating designed to revive and protect old, faded and weathered tarmac driveways. It restores a uniform black appearance while helping protect the surface against oil stains, fuel spills and everyday weathering. Its slip-resistant finish makes it a practical choice for improving the appearance of an existing tarmac drive without undertaking complete resurfacing.
Exposure to sunlight, rain, frost and regular vehicle traffic can gradually leave tarmac looking pale, tired and uneven. Thompson’s Quick Drying Drive Seal provides a fresh decorative finish that helps bring the colour back to sound tarmac. It is particularly useful for residential driveways where a smarter appearance and improved resistance to common automotive stains are required.
The coating is quick and straightforward to apply using a long-pile roller. Under suitable conditions, a second coat can be applied after approximately four hours, and the completed drive can accept vehicle traffic around four hours after the final coat. For the best protection, appearance and durability, two coats are recommended.
Designed Specifically for Tarmac
Thompson’s Quick Drying Drive Seal is formulated for use on existing tarmac and asphalt driveways. It should not be used as a general-purpose coating for concrete, paving slabs, block paving or other masonry surfaces. Applying it to an unsuitable surface may result in poor adhesion, peeling or premature failure.
The existing tarmac must be sound and capable of accepting a coating. This product will not repair a driveway that is severely cracked, crumbling, unstable or affected by significant movement. Structural damage, loose material, deep holes and failed sections must be properly repaired before the Drive Seal is applied.
Freshly installed or repaired tarmac should be allowed to cure fully before coating. Follow the repair-product manufacturer’s instructions and complete a test area if there is any uncertainty about the age, condition or compatibility of the surface.
Revives Faded Driveways
The black finish helps refresh areas that have become grey, faded or patchy through age and exposure. Applying an even coating across the full driveway can produce a cleaner and more consistent appearance, helping improve the overall presentation and kerb appeal of the property.
Drive Seal is a surface coating rather than a substitute for new tarmac. The finished result will follow the existing profile and texture of the driveway. Raised areas, depressions, cracks and poorly completed repairs may remain visible unless they are corrected during preparation.
Protection Against Oil and Fuel Stains
Oil, grease, petrol and diesel can leave dark or discoloured patches on an untreated driveway. Thompson’s Quick Drying Drive Seal helps resist staining caused by common automotive oil and fuel spills, making the finished surface easier to maintain.
Spills should still be dealt with promptly. Absorb excess liquid and clean the affected area using a suitable product. Allowing fuel or oil to remain on the surface for an extended period may affect the appearance and performance of the coating.
Surface Preparation
Thorough preparation is essential for an attractive and durable result. Use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the tarmac and remove dust, dirt, moss and loose surface material. The coating must be applied to sound tarmac rather than dirt or unstable particles.
Use Thompson’s Oil & Drive Cleaner to clean the surface. Existing oil or grease stains should be treated with the cleaner used neat, following its application instructions. Rinse away all traces of cleaner and allow the driveway to dry completely before applying Drive Seal.
Inspect the area for holes, cracks and damaged sections. Fill suitable holes with fresh concrete or cold-cure tarmac as recommended by Thompson’s, then allow the repair to cure fully. Loose edges or extensively failed areas may require professional repair rather than a surface coating.
Mask or protect kerbs, walls, drainage covers and adjoining surfaces that are not being coated. Plan a working route from the furthest point towards the exit so the freshly coated driveway does not need to be walked across.
Check the Weather
Apply the product on a dry day when the temperature is above 10°C. Do not begin if rain, dew, frost or very damp weather is likely before the coating has dried. The tarmac must be completely dry when application begins.
Temperature and humidity affect drying performance. Cold or damp conditions will increase both the drying and recoating times. Very hot conditions may cause the coating to dry too quickly, making it more difficult to maintain a consistent wet edge.
How to Apply Thompson’s Quick Drying Drive Seal
Stir the contents thoroughly before application and continue stirring at regular intervals during use. This keeps the pigments and other ingredients evenly distributed, helping prevent differences in colour and finish.
Pour a manageable quantity into a suitable roller tray. Fully load a long-pile roller and apply the coating evenly across the tarmac. Work methodically in manageable sections and maintain a wet edge to reduce roller marks, overlaps and differences in appearance.
Begin at the furthest point and work back towards the exit. Avoid over-spreading the product, as applying it too thinly may reduce coverage quality, colour uniformity and protection.
For the best results, apply two coats. Allow the first coat to dry for at least four hours before applying the second. Only apply another coat when the first is fully dry and conditions remain suitable.
Drying Time
Under suitable conditions, the driveway can normally accept light vehicle traffic approximately four hours after the final coat has been applied. Although the coating dries quickly, it does not reach its optimum performance immediately. Leave it overnight before heavy use whenever possible, and take additional care during the first few days.
Drying times are only a guide. Low temperatures, high humidity, limited airflow, thick application or damp tarmac will extend the drying period. Do not allow people, vehicles, animals or windblown debris onto the coating until it has dried completely.
Coverage
Thompson’s Quick Drying Drive Seal covers up to approximately 6m² per litre, per coat. One 5-litre container can therefore cover up to approximately 30m² with a single coat.
Because two coats are recommended, a 5-litre container will cover approximately 15m² of driveway when both coats are included. Actual coverage will depend on the porosity, texture and condition of the tarmac. Rough, worn or highly absorbent surfaces may require more product.
Measure the driveway before ordering and allow additional material for surface texture, application waste and overlapping. Where more than one container is required, it is sensible to use containers from the same batch or mix them together to help maintain an even colour.
Key Features and Benefits
- Revives old, faded and weathered tarmac
- Creates a smart and uniform black finish
- Helps protect against oil and fuel stains
- Provides a slip-resistant surface
- Quick and straightforward roller application
- Second coat can be applied after approximately four hours
- Accepts vehicle traffic after approximately four hours in suitable conditions
- Covers up to approximately 6m² per litre, per coat
- Up to approximately 30m² coverage from 5 litres for one coat
- Two coats recommended for optimum results
- Application equipment cleans with warm water and detergent
Important Limitations
Only apply this product to suitable tarmac surfaces. Do not use it on concrete, block paving, paving slabs or unstable asphalt. Drive Seal will not fill major cracks, correct depressions or repair structural damage.
Do not apply to wet tarmac or in temperatures below 10°C. Avoid application when rain or frost is expected. Always complete a small test area if the existing surface has previously been painted, sealed or treated with another product.
Cleaning and Storage
Clean rollers, trays and other equipment immediately after use with warm water and detergent. Remove accidental splashes before they dry. Store the tightly closed container upright in a cool, secure and well-ventilated location, protected from frost and extreme temperatures.
Wear suitable gloves and protective clothing during application. Avoid contact with the eyes and skin, and keep the product away from children and pets. Always read the label and current Thompson’s technical and safety information before use.
