A liquid composition, active curing additive for water or solvent borne surface coatings and sealants such: latex products, paints, putties, caulks, sports track and court construction, asphalt or coal tar seal coating, asphalt paving, micro-seal, roof tars, asphalt emulsions, crack sealants, and the like is provided. The additive functions to significantly reduce the amount of time required for the surface coating to cure and thereby allows the coated or sealed surface to be quickly returned to service. Preferably, the additive is composed of a composition of fly ash, hydrous ammonia, water or solvent, and bentonite. This formulation, when added to a liquid surface sealant or coating, will create an active process within the film of the said sealant or coating which draws water out of the film extremely fast, thereby reducing the amount of time required for the surface coating or sealant to cure.