It’s not unusual to spot white or rust-colored stains on freshly sealed asphalt driveways or parking lots. While it might be tempting to blame the sealer itself, these stains actually come from natural substances found in water, gravel, and soil.
Mineral Salts are a common culprit. These salts can be left behind when water runs off or can be brought up through the soil and gravel, eventually appearing on the asphalt surface. White residue often appears in areas with cracks, where moisture is more likely to accumulate.
Calcium Carbonate, which is frequently found in soil and gravel, can also leave behind a white residue on the surface.
Rusty Tones, including red, orange, and brown, are another type of residue that can be left from rusty vehicles or plant materials.
These stains tend to stand out more on freshly sealed asphalt because of the contrast in color. The good news is that they are temporary. Be patient, as these marks will naturally wash away with time.