Give Concrete Surfaces a Finished Look

Towpath Painting provides concrete staining and painting for homeowners in the greater Akron, Ohio area.

Concrete floors in basements and patios around Akron often go untreated, which means they collect stains from oil, rust, and water that never fully dry out. What should be a clean, functional surface ends up looking industrial and neglected, with cracks that trap dirt and a dusty finish that transfers to anything that touches it. Towpath Painting applies decorative staining and painting to concrete floors, patios, and walkways so those surfaces look intentional and hold up better under foot traffic and weather. The result is a floor or patio that feels like part of the design rather than something left unfinished.

This service involves cleaning the concrete thoroughly to remove oils, dirt, and loose material, then repairing surface cracks and ensuring the slab is dry enough to accept finish. Stain penetrates the concrete and creates a mottled, natural appearance, while paint covers the surface with a solid color and protective layer. Both options add durability and visual interest without the cost of replacement, and both are popular for Northeast Ohio homes with concrete surfaces exposed to wear from foot traffic, weather, and basement moisture.

If your concrete floors or patios in Akron look stained, dusty, or unfinished, get in touch with Towpath Painting to discuss upgrading those surfaces.

What proper prep and coating do for concrete

When you schedule concrete staining or painting in Akron, the crew begins by cleaning the surface with a degreaser and pressure washer to remove oils, dirt, and any previous coatings that are peeling. They fill cracks and level uneven spots, then let the concrete dry completely before applying the stain or paint. Stain is applied with a sprayer or roller and reacts with the concrete to create color variations, while paint or stain is applied by brush and roll or srapyer. 

After the work is complete, your concrete will have a clean, finished appearance with color that does not fade from foot traffic or moisture exposure. Basement floors that used to leave dust on your shoes now feel smooth and sealed, and patios that looked gray and stained now have a consistent tone that ties into the rest of your outdoor space. The coating also makes the surface easier to clean, since dirt and spills sit on top of the finish rather than soaking into the porous concrete.

This service works for concrete that is structurally sound but cosmetically worn. It does not repair major cracking, settling, or moisture problems that come from below the slab, but it does restore and protect surfaces that are already stable. The finish holds up well in garages, walkways, basements, and covered patios where the concrete is protected from freeze-thaw cycles and heavy abrasion.

Things homeowners ask before treating concrete

Most people want to know how stain and paint differ, how long the finish lasts, and whether their concrete is a good candidate for coating.

Black paint roller icon.
What is the difference between staining and painting concrete?
Stain penetrates the surface and creates a translucent, variegated color that shows the natural texture of the concrete, while paint covers the surface with a solid, opaque layer. Stain is more forgiving with imperfections, while paint provides more color control and hiding power.
A black paint roller, side view.
How do you prepare concrete before applying finish?
We clean the surface with a degreaser and pressure washer, fill cracks, and etch or grind the concrete if needed to open the pores for better adhesion. The slab must be completely dry before we apply stain or paint, or the coating will not bond properly.
A black paint roller.
Why does untreated concrete stain so easily?
Concrete is porous, so liquids soak into the surface and carry dirt, oils, and minerals with them. Once those materials settle into the pores, they are difficult to remove without aggressive cleaning or coating over them.
Black paint roller icon.
What will my concrete look like after it is stained or painted?
Stained concrete will have a mottled, natural look with color variations that follow the texture of the slab, while painted concrete will have a uniform color and smooth appearance. Both finishes will make the surface look cleaner, more finished, and easier to maintain.
Paint roller icon.
When should I avoid coating concrete?
You should not coat concrete that has active moisture issues, major structural cracks, or surfaces that are still curing. Coating over unstable or wet concrete will cause the finish to peel or bubble within weeks.

Staining or painting concrete turns a neglected surface into a finished part of your home that looks clean and holds up to daily use. If your basement, patio, or walkway in Akron looks stained or unfinished, contact Towpath Painting to upgrade the surface with a durable, attractive coating.