Curing Compound for Homeowners: Driveways, Patios and Garage Floors
For a new driveway, patio or walk, most homeowners want a water-based acrylic cure and seal: it holds water in while the slab cures and leaves a light film that lasts. Spray two thin coats once the surface water sheen is gone. If the garage floor will get epoxy or tile, use a dissipating cure instead.
Guides in this section
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Best for driveways and stamped
Picking a cure and seal for new exterior and decorative concrete.
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Which curing compound?
Three questions, one recommendation.
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Coverage calculator
Gallons and five-gallon pails for your slab.
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When to apply
The window between the water sheen leaving and the surface drying out.
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How to apply
Sprayer setup, coverage, two coats and what to do if it rains.
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Sprayers
Pump-up vs power sprayers, tips and how to stop clogs.
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Cure and seal turned white
Why sealer blushes white and how to clear it.
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Peeling, flaking or blotchy
Over-application, moisture and how to repair the finish.
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Home Depot vs Lowe's vs supply house
Where to buy, what each stocks and what it costs.
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Cost
Price per gallon and per square foot, checked at retailers.
What should I buy for my slab?
Start with what the slab is and what, if anything, goes on it later.
- Plain broom-finish driveway, walk or patio: a water-based acrylic cure and seal, ideally with a C1315 Class A claim on the data sheet. Our driveway and stamped picks compare the options.
- Stamped or colored concrete: a solvent acrylic with a wet look, where your state allows it, or a water-based one if you want a satin finish.
- Garage or basement floor getting epoxy, tile or carpet: not a cure and seal. Use a dissipating cure, or plan to remove the film. Read curing compound and flooring first.
- Not sure: the product chooser asks up to three questions and names a type.
How much do I need?
Home cure and seal data sheets list about 200 to 350 ft² per gallon for each coat. A 24 by 20 ft driveway (480 ft²) takes about 2 gallons a coat, so a 5 gal pail covers two coats with some to spare.
Put your own sizes into the coverage calculator. Heavier coats do not cure better; they peel and turn white.
When and how do I spray it?
- Spray as soon as the water sheen is gone after the last finishing pass. See when to apply.
- Check the weather: many labels want no rain for 24 hours and a minimum temperature of 40 to 50°F (4 to 10°C).
- Use a garden-style pump sprayer with a fan tip and spray two thin coats at right angles. See choosing a sprayer and how to apply it.
Something went wrong. What now?
- White or cloudy patches: moisture got trapped under the film. See cure and seal turned white.
- Peeling, flaking or blotchy: usually too heavy a coat. See peeling, flaking or blotchy.
- Dusty or crazed surface: the top dried too fast. See dusting and crazing.
Where should I buy it?
Home centers stock gallon and 5 gal cure and seals such as Quikrete 8730 and Sakrete Cure 'n Seal. Concrete supply houses carry contractor brands, and some makers ship pails by normal package delivery. Compare them in Home Depot vs Lowe's vs a supply house and check prices in curing compound cost.