Gardner BlackJack Speed-Patch Blacktop Crack & Hole Repair

First impressions and what this product is

I picked up Gardner’s Speed-Patch to tidy up a mix of linear cracks and a few shallow divots in an older blacktop driveway. This isn’t a structural cold patch meant for deep potholes; it’s a trowelable, ready-to-use repair compound for surface-level work—think hairline to medium cracks and shallow spalls. The appeal is simple: open the pail, stir, apply, compact, and move on.

Out of the bucket, the material has a dense, buttery consistency. It’s thick enough to stay where you put it, with just enough workability that a margin trowel or putty knife can feather it nicely. It doesn’t slump or run into voids like a pourable crack filler, which is a benefit for top-cover sealing but means you need to manage deeper voids intentionally.

Surface prep matters more than you think

My best results started long before I opened the lid. I spent time on cleanup: broom and leaf blower, followed by digging out any loose debris with a crack chisel and wire brush. Vegetation got pulled and treated. For a few irregular cracks, I lightly “squared” the edges so the compound had something to grab onto rather than just sitting on a knife edge of brittle asphalt. Everything was bone-dry before I started—no damp aggregate, no morning dew.

If you’re patching a shallow depression rather than a true crack, consider dusting the area with coarse sand after cleaning, just enough to give the patching compound some tooth. In wider, shallow areas, I sometimes blend in a small amount of clean, coarse sand directly into the compound (roughly a handful per quart) to reduce shrinkage and help it bridge. It adds a step, but it does improve the odds of a crack-free cure on broader patches.

Application: straightforward and controllable

I mixed the pail thoroughly; every time I’ve used Speed-Patch there’s been some separation. A sturdy stir stick or a margin trowel works. Once homogenous, it spreads predictably. For cracks up to about 1/4 inch, a putty knife is perfect; for small shallow holes, a wider trowel speeds things up.

A few details that helped:
- Apply in thin lifts. Anything deeper than about 1/4–3/8 inch per pass risks slow curing and shrink cracking. I’d fill, compact, and then come back for a second skim if needed.
- Compact each lift. A small hand tamper, block of wood, or the flat of the trowel makes a noticeable difference. Compaction reduces air pockets and improves durability.
- Feather the edges. You want to avoid a proud ridge that will scuff or pick up under tires.
- Dust with a pinch of dry sand if you’re concerned about tracking while it’s still tender. It takes the tack off the surface.

The color blends reasonably well with aged asphalt—fresh black at first, slightly flatter and lighter after curing. If appearance cohesion is critical, plan a driveway sealer over everything once the patches have cured fully.

Curing and weather sensitivity

Cure time is highly dependent on temperature, sun, and humidity. On a warm, dry, sunny weekend, light crack fills were firm by the next day, while shallow depressions took closer to 48 hours to feel truly set. In cool, shaded spots, I’ve had areas stay soft longer than expected. The lesson: do not push it if the forecast is iffy. This product does not appreciate an unexpected shower during the first day or two. If rain is a possibility, cover with breathable protection or wait for a safer window.

I’ve seen minor surface whitening after a surprise sprinkle during the early cure—a cosmetic issue that mostly disappeared after a full dry and a light brooming, but it’s a reminder that this is a weather-sensitive product.

Performance over time

After one full season—summer heat, a Northeast fall, and into early winter—the patches over typical shrinkage cracks held flat and tight. On broader, shallow repairs, I saw a little hairline craze cracking and one small area that needed a quick second skim in the spring. That’s consistent with trowelable asphalt compounds; as they cure and settle, wider sections can telegraph a small crack again. When I pre-loaded those wider spots with a bit of coarse sand mixed into the compound and compacted carefully, that tendency was reduced.

This is not the right choice for deep potholes or undermined base. Use a proper cold patch or, better, a hot mix repair if the base is compromised. Speed-Patch shines for what it is: a top-layer repair and sealer that restores a smooth, water-shedding surface over sound substrate.

Coverage and value

One pail doesn’t go as far as folks expect. It’s great for lots of lineal feet of hairline-to-medium cracks and a few shallow divots, but if you’re trying to rebuild larger swaths, you’ll burn through material quickly. I put it in the mid-to-high price tier for this category, and I think that’s fair given its ease of use and finish—just calibrate your expectations. If your driveway looks like alligator skin, this is a spot-repair approach, not a resurfacing solution.

Where it fits in a repair workflow

• Small cracks (hairline to 1/4 inch): Excellent. Clean, fill, feather, done.
• Wider shallow cracks (1/4–1/2 inch): Good with thin lifts and compaction; consider a little sand for body.
• Shallow surface depressions: Good if you build in lifts and compact.
• Deep holes or base failure: Not appropriate—use a cold patch or call a pro.
• Final aesthetics: Best if followed by a full sealcoat for uniform color and sheen.

Tips for best results

• Work in warm, dry weather with at least 24–48 rain-free hours.
• Clean aggressively. Dry completely.
• Stir thoroughly; don’t skip this.
• Build in thin lifts and compact each layer.
• Feather edges to blend and avoid ridges.
• For broader, shallow areas, add a small amount of coarse sand to the mix.
• Keep traffic off until fully firm. When in doubt, give it another day.
• Consider a full driveway seal after repairs for uniform appearance and added protection.

Pros

• Thick, controllable consistency that stays where you put it
• Easy to trowel and feather for a smooth finish
• Bonds well to clean, dry, sound blacktop
• Ideal for sealing and smoothing small cracks and shallow flaws
• Can be compacted to restore a flatter driving surface

Cons

• Cure time can stretch well past a day in cool or humid conditions
• Sensitive to early rain; protect fresh patches or wait for a better window
• Not suited to deep or structural repairs
• Coverage goes fast on larger shallow areas
• Occasional shipping/handling hiccups—check your pail on arrival and stir thoroughly

Final recommendation

I recommend Speed-Patch for homeowners who need a dependable, trowelable solution for small cracks and shallow divots on otherwise sound asphalt. It’s straightforward to apply, compacts nicely, and leaves a smooth, sealed surface that sheds water and buys real time against freeze-thaw damage. The caveats are predictable for this category: respect the weather, build in thin lifts, and don’t expect it to rescue deep potholes or soft base. If you go in with the right scope and prep, it’s a solid performer and a practical step before a whole-driveway sealcoat.