Should I tarp my Ottawa asphalt driveway during paint refresh on the house?

Yes, absolutely tarp your asphalt driveway during exterior painting — paint overspray and spills will permanently stain and damage your asphalt surface, and removal is difficult or impossible.

Paint damage to asphalt driveways is surprisingly common during house painting projects and can be costly to repair. Latex paint spills create visible white or colored stains that penetrate into the asphalt surface, especially if the driveway has been recently sealcoated. Oil-based paints and primers are even more problematic because they contain solvents that actually dissolve asphalt binder, creating soft spots that attract dirt and deteriorate rapidly. Paint thinner and mineral spirits used for cleanup are particularly damaging — they soften asphalt permanently and create areas that never fully harden again.

Proper protection is straightforward and inexpensive. Use 6-mil plastic sheeting or canvas drop cloths to cover the entire driveway surface, securing edges with duct tape or weights so Ottawa winds don't lift the covering. For spray painting or pressure washing prep work, extend the tarping beyond the driveway edges to protect adjacent surfaces. If you're using scaffolding or ladders on the driveway, place plywood sheets under the feet to distribute weight and prevent indentations in the asphalt — this is especially important during hot summer weather when asphalt is softer.

Ottawa's climate makes paint damage worse. Our freeze-thaw cycles cause paint-contaminated asphalt to crack and spall more readily because the paint prevents proper flexibility. Paint stains also make it impossible to apply sealcoat effectively — the sealer won't adhere properly over paint residue, leading to peeling and premature failure of your sealcoating investment.

If paint does spill on your asphalt, act immediately. For water-based latex paint, flood the area with water and scrub with a stiff brush before it dries. For oil-based paint, use paint thinner sparingly (ironically, since thinner damages asphalt) and immediately flush with dish soap and water. Never use a pressure washer on fresh paint spills — it drives the paint deeper into the asphalt pores.

The cost of protection versus repair makes this a no-brainer. Tarping materials cost $50 to $150 depending on driveway size. Professional paint stain removal (if even possible) costs $500 to $2,000, and severely damaged sections may require asphalt patching or even full replacement of affected areas.

Take the time to protect your driveway properly — it's one of those simple precautions that prevents expensive problems later.