Understand what sealing does for driveways and paths
Sealing is worth considering when concrete in Toowoomba looks dull, soaks up water or marks easily. A sealer closes the surface pores so oil, tyre marks and dirt sit on top, and it can bring back the colour in exposed aggregate. It will not repair cracks or a slab that is moving.
Signs your concrete has lost its protection
Water darkens the surface instead of beading. Exposed aggregate looks grey and chalky rather than rich. Oil drips, leaf stains and mould leave marks a hose no longer shifts, and wheel tracks show paler than the rest. Any of these suggest the surface is open and ready for a clean and seal.
Sealer types for plain, coloured and exposed finishes
Penetrating sealers soak in and leave a natural, matt look with little change to grip. Film-forming acrylics sit on top and give a satin or wet-look gloss that lifts aggregate colour but wears faster under tyres. Tougher polyurethane or epoxy coatings suit garage floors more than open driveways.
Why pressure cleaning comes first
Sealer locks in whatever is on the surface, so a thorough pressure clean comes before any coat. Oil spots usually need a degreaser, mould needs treating, and worn or peeling old sealer may need stripping. The concrete then has to dry properly, because trapped moisture can turn a fresh sealer cloudy.
How often to reseal exposed aggregate and concrete
There is no fixed calendar. Gloss acrylics on a busy driveway wear first, often in wheel tracks and turning areas, while penetrating sealers on a garden path last longer. A simple check: sprinkle water on the surface. If it beads, the sealer is still working. If it soaks in and darkens, plan a reseal.
Next step for a sealing quote
Note the surface type (plain, coloured, stencilled or exposed aggregate) and the rough area in square metres. Take daylight photos of the whole run plus close-ups of stains, worn tracks and any cracks, and mention whether it has been sealed before and the finish you would like.
What concrete sealing can cover
Exposed aggregate sealing
Cleaning and resealing to bring back the stone colour and keep the textured surface easy to wash.
Plain and coloured driveway sealing
Protection against oil and tyre marks, with a choice of natural matt or glossier finish.
Clean and reseal of older surfaces
Stripping tired sealer, cleaning back to bare concrete and applying a fresh coat.
