06/08/2026
I’m the only sealcoating company in Delaware, according to multiple hardware stores, that regularly buys sealed containers of asphalt sealer. By sealed, I mean factory-sealed containers with tamper-proof plastic seals that cannot be opened, watered down, or altered before use.
I recently asked several stores about it, and they told me that aside from homeowners, they’ve never seen another sealcoating company buying sealer this way. That says a lot. It tells me most companies aren’t even experimenting with better products or trying to improve the quality of what they offer.
I own a spray rig and trailer just like many other companies, but most of the time they sit. Why? Because I’ve tested plant sealer extensively. I’ve purchased directly from the plant before. I’ve had some applications last close to two years, and I’ve had others fail in less than eight months. There are simply too many variables.
At the plant, sealer costs around $2.50 per gallon. A 5-gallon bucket costs roughly $12-$14. The sealed product I use costs me $30-$34 for only 4.75 gallons. I pay nearly three times as much because I know exactly what I'm getting every single time. I've never had a bad container.
The asphalt industry is full of variables. The sealer manufacturer, the distributor, the delivery process, the contractor applying it—every step creates an opportunity for the product to be altered or diluted. Even if everyone does everything right, I've personally tested plant sealer side-by-side against Blackjack 10-Year sealer on my own driveway and my father's driveway. The difference wasn't even close.
I'll make a challenge to any sealcoating company in the tri-state area: Bring your best asphalt sealer. I'll bring my best sealed-container sealer. We'll apply both to the same asphalt surface and let time tell the story. If your product lasts longer and looks better, I'll hand over my client list and feature your company on a business page that generates over 30,000 views per month.
What usually follows that challenge? Silence, excuses, or angry comments.
There's a reason I spend 6+ hours on a driveway while some tank-sealer companies are done in 45 minutes. There's a reason my estimates are often two or three times higher than competitors. I don't charge more for fun. I charge more because there is no comparison in the level of preparation, materials, and attention to detail I provide.
I pull weeds, remove grass from cracks, treat problem areas, and take the time necessary to do the job correctly. Quality work takes time, and quality materials cost money.
The same people who complain about poorly built houses are often the same people who slam the door on a contractor and hire the cheapest person who knocks. Then they're surprised when the results don't last.
I love Delaware. I love my customers. And I genuinely love what I do. But people need to understand that not all products, contractors, or methods are created equal.
Before choosing a sealcoating company, do yourself a favor. Go to Lowe's, Google, or any reputable source and research the difference between Blackjack 10-Year Sealer and bulk tank asphalt sealer. Learn what you're paying for before making your decision.
Quality isn't cheap, but neither is doing the same job twice.
-debate
