Asphalt Rejuvenator Products Review

What an Asphalt Rejuvenator Actually Does

Asphalt rejuvenators are specialty chemical sprays or roll-on coatings that penetrate the top ½- to ¾-inch of an aging driveway. Unlike surface sealers that simply sit on top, rejuvenators re-plasticize the hardened asphalt binder, restoring flexibility and slowing oxidation. Think of them as a moisturizing lotion for your pavement instead of a coat of paint.

The payoff for homeowners is two-fold: a darker, newer-looking driveway and a measurable extension of pavement life—typically 3-5 years when the product is applied correctly. Because rejuvenators are cheaper than a full repave (usually 15–25 ¢ per square foot versus $3–$7 for new asphalt), they’re worth considering on any driveway that is 3–10 years old and starting to show hairline cracks or gray fading.

How Rejuvenators Work (and Why It Matters for Your Driveway)

The Science in Plain English

Fresh asphalt contains light oils called maltenes. Over time, sun, rain, and oxygen chase those oils out, leaving a brittle surface rich in asphaltenes. Rejuvenators add maltene-rich oils back into the matrix, lowering the brittleness number (measured by a standard test called the DSR). Lab data from the Asphalt Institute show a 25-40 % rebound in flexibility after treatment.

Penetration vs. Film-Forming

True rejuvenators soak in; “asphalt sealers with rejuvenator” are often film-forming coal-tar or asphalt emulsions that merely coat. Read the spec sheet: a good product lists 40–60 % penetration depth in field cores. If the technical bulletin doesn’t mention penetration, assume it’s a surface coating.

Top 5 Asphalt Rejuvenator Products Reviewed for Homeowners

We chose these five based on availability in 1-gallon or 5-gallon pails, published lab data, and ease of DIY application. Prices are MSRP; expect 10–15 % discounts at big-box stores or contractor supply yards.

1. RejuvaSeal® Asphalt Rejuvenator

• Type: Petroleum-based maltene blend
• Coverage: 100 ft² per gallon on tight pavement, 70 ft² on porous
• Pros: 25-year track record, DOT-approved in 12 states, dark matte finish
• Cons: Strong odor; keep pets inside for 24 h
• Best for: Driveways 3-8 years old with light cracking

2. BioSeal® Soy-Rez

• Type: Bio-based soy polymer plus maltenes
• Coverage: 110 ft² per gallon
• Pros: Low-VOC, virtually odor-free, cleans up with water
• Cons: Slightly higher cost; not ideal on very oxidized (15+ yr) asphalt
• Best for: Eco-conscious households, driveways near wells or ponds

3. JetBlak® AR (Asphalt Rejuvenator)

• Type: Solvent-cutback with gilsonite hardener
• Coverage: 80 ft² per gallon
• Pros: Fast drying (touch-ready in 2 h), high gloss “wet look”
• Cons: Contains PAHs—use full PPE; not legal for sale in CA or NJ
• Best for: Decorative drives where appearance is priority one

4. PaveShield® Maltene Replacement

• Type: 100 % maltene oil, no cutter solvent
• Coverage: 120 ft² per gallon
• Pros: Maximum penetration depth (0.6 in. in lab cores), no surface film to track indoors
• Cons: Slow cure (24–48 h), leaves only slight color change
• Best for: Homeowners who want invisible protection and zero slip hazard

5. SealMaster® Rejuvenator Plus

• Type: Asphalt-emulsion base with 15 % rejuvenating oils
• Coverage: 75 ft² per gallon
• Pros: Widely stocked, can be shipped concentrated to save freight
• Cons: Film former—more of a sealer than a true rejuvenator; needs second coat for gloss
• Best for: Budget projects where sealing and mild rejuvenation are both acceptable

DIY vs. Professional Application: What Saves You More Long-Term?

Skill Level & Tools

A homeowner can spray water-based rejuvenators with a $40 garden pump sprayer. Solvent-based grades need a steel or HDPE sprayer rated for petroleum ($100–$150). Edging is done with a microfiber roller. Budget an afternoon plus two helpers: one to keep the hose from dragging through fresh product, one to back-roll edges.

Typical Cost Comparison (1,000 ft² driveway)

• DIY material: $150–$250 (two 5-gallon pails) + $40 for sprayer
• Pro application: $400–$650 (includes cleaning, crack fill, two-year workmanship warranty)

If your driveway has >⅛-in. cracks or heavy moss, hire a pro; they’ll pretreat with a 3,000-psi surface cleaner and apply a targeted crack sealant first. Skipping prep shortens rejuvenator life by 30–50 %.

Step-by-Step: Applying a Rejuvenator Yourself

1. Check weather: 50–85 °F, no rain for 24 h, wind under 10 mph.
2. Clean: Use a leaf blower, then a pressure washer. Let dry 24 h.
3. Protect edges: Mask garage door, concrete walks, brick pavers with 12-in. cardboard shield.
4. Mix/shake: For emulsion products, gentle drill mix at 300 rpm; solvent grades just shake.
5. Spray: Hold wand 12–16 in. above surface, apply in a 24-in. fan, overlap 25 %.
6. Back-roll: Immediately follow with a light roller stroke to even out puddles.
7. Cure: Foot traffic in 6 h, car traffic in 12–24 h depending on product data sheet.
8. Clean up: Water plus dish soap for water-based; mineral spirits for solvent, then recycle at county facility.

Performance Expectations: How Long Does It Last?

Real-World Track Record

Field studies in Minnesota and Ohio show rejuvenators lose about 30 % of their initial penetration benefit after three winters, but still outperform untreated sections by a 2:1 margin in crack resistance. Most manufacturers now offer a conditional five-year warranty if you keep the receipt and apply a light maintenance coat at 50 % of the original rate on year three.

Signs You Need a Second Coat

• Surface color returns to light gray
• Hairline cracks reappear wider than 1 mm
• Water no longer beads but soaks in within 30 seconds

Cost Breakdown and ROI for Homeowners

Using national averages, a 20-year asphalt driveway life can be extended to 27–30 years with rejuvenator treatments at years 5, 10, and 15. The net present value savings (treating 1,000 ft²) is roughly $2,800 versus repaving at year 20. Even if you hire a pro each time, you still pocket about $1,900 in today’s dollars.

Safety & Environmental Tips

• Wear nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and old shoes you can toss afterward.
• Block pets and kids until fully cured; some products contain hydrocarbon solvents that can irritate skin.
• Capture overspray with a drop cloth; even biodegradable soy products can stain aluminum siding.
• Check local VOC rules: California’s SCAQMD limits asphalt rejuvenators to 100 g/L VOC; some cutback solvents exceed that.

Frequently Asked Questions