Spray Seal or Slurry Seal?

Both protect asphalt. The right choice depends on your pavement’s condition, traffic, and your goals.

Cost-effective Protection & Refresh.

A liquid-applied sealcoat that penetrates and protects asphalt, restores a rich black finish, and defends against UV rays, water, oil, and surface wear.

Cost-effective for routine maintenance

Refreshes appearance with a smooth, black finish

Ideal for low to moderate traffic areas

Best for relatively new or well-maintained asphalt

Stronger protection & longer lasting.

A mixture of emulsion, sand, and water that creates a thicker protective layer; ideal for high-traffic areas and asphalt with minor surface imperfections.

Most durable and resistant to heavy traffic

Fills minor surface imperfections

Extends pavement life up to 2x longer

Ideal for heavy traffic lots, roads, and aging asphalt

Compare At A Glance

FEATURESPRAY SEALSLURRY SEAL
BEST FOR:Relatively new, well-maintained asphaltAging asphalt, high-traffic areas.
FINISH:Smooth, rich black finishTextured, non-skid, black finish
DURABILITY:ModerateHigh
TYPICAL LIFESPAN:1 – 3 years3 – 7 years
TRAFFIC CONDITIONS:Light to moderateModerate to heavy
COST PROFILE:Lower upfront costHigher upfront cost
OVERALL VALUE:Great for regular maintenance & appearance upkeepBest for long-term asphalt protection & performance

CasTech is a proud distributor and applicator of Star Seal products.

CasTech creates parking lot layouts and applies professional striping and traffic marking practices informed by the ADA, State and Local codes, and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the national standard for signs, pavement markings, and traffic control devices used on roads and public travel. For parking lots, we use these standards as a best-practice guide to support clear circulation, safer traffic flow, ADA-aware layouts, and professional, consistent markings.

How often should I sealcoat my parking lot?

Most commercial parking lots benefit from sealcoating every 3 to 5 years, depending on traffic volume, sun exposure, drainage, salt air exposure, and pavement condition. High-traffic lots may need more frequent maintenance, while slurry seal may extend the protection window longer than standard spray seal.

What is the difference between spray seal and slurry seal?

Our spray seal is a liquid, asphalt emulsion applied to protect asphalt from UV rays, water, oil, and oxidation. Slurry seal includes sand in the mix, creating a thicker, more durable surface that is better suited for aging asphalt, heavier traffic, and longer-lasting protection.

Can sealcoating fix cracks and potholes?

Sealcoating helps protect asphalt, acting like tire tread that wears away instead of the asphalt, but does not repair structural damage by itself. We recommend crack sealing and pothole repair prior to sealcoating to ensure maximum asphalt life.

How long does it take to apply sealcoat?

Most projects can be completed efficiently, but timing depends on lot size, pavement condition, prep work, weather, traffic flow, and whether spray seal or slurry seal is selected. CasTech can phase work around your schedule to reduce disruption and keep access available whenever possible.

When can we use the lot after sealcoating?

Dried is not the same as cured! Cure time depends on the product used, weather, humidity, temperature, and traffic demands, but is typically around 24 hours. In many cases, areas can reopen after the coating has properly cured, but CasTech will provide project-specific guidance before the work begins so your team knows when the lot can safely return to use.

Will the sealcoating make the pavement slippery?

When properly applied and cured, sealcoating should not create an unsafe driving surface. Slurry seal includes sand for added texture, which can improve surface grip. CasTech evaluates pavement conditions, traffic needs, and site use to recommend the right option for safety, durability, and appearance.