German Smear on Brick: A DIY Dream or Nightmare?
The Dos and Don’ts of Applying German Smear on Brick from the Pros
If you’re a chronic DIY’er, you can’t afford to NOT read this article. We’re presenting both sides of the debate so you can decide if German Smear on brick is right for your project and whether or not you should go it alone.
What Is German Smear?
German smear is a permanent treatment for brick and stone. You can also apply it on veneer and faux brick and stone. The end result is a popular rustic finish that adds visual interest and style to your otherwise drab-looking brick home.
German smear brick is a technique that we achieve by using premixed mortar or mixing our own using a combination of sand, white cement and water. We thickly smear it onto the surface and then we wipe it with a sponge to reveal hints of the brick or stonework underneath. The amount of material peeking through is up to you, the homeowner.
This is a great close-up of German smear from Nesting Gypsy.
While white is the most popular color choice, pre-mixed mortar can also be purchased in gray so watch out!! No, gray mortar will not dry white so if you’re DIYing it, read the bag carefully. Other earth-tone pigments can also be added to white mortar if you want something truly unique.
German Smear Brick vs Limewash
You may be wondering if German smear and limewash are the same thing. They are not.
Limewash is a type of paint made of crushed, kiln-dried limestone and water. It’s designed to give a wash of color. It has more of a translucent finish with no additional texture.
You can use limewash on smooth concrete surfaces and drywall as well, whereas German smear is better for textured walls where the mortar will highlight and add dimension.
Limewash is eco-friendly and naturally antibacterial and antifungal. It doesn’t contain harsh chemicals so it’s practically odor-free. However, it’s also not quite as permanent as German smear. Limewash needs to be retouched on average every 5-7 years. For more details on limewashing read our articles: Limewash Your Brick House: Secrets From the Pros Who Know & The Complete Guide To Limewash.
German Smear on Brick vs Paint
German smear is also not a whitewash. Whitewash is achieved by watering down white latex paint and covering the surface. The consistency is thin, and the look is similar to German smear but not nearly as good for the environment.
Once you’ve painted your fireplace with latex paint, it will be difficult later if you change your mind and decide you would prefer a German smear. Read on to find out why.
Reasons Why People Love It
If you have ugly dated brick or your brick house looks like all the rest on your street and you’re ready for a permanent change, German smear is perfect for you. Some additional reasons why people love German Smear brick are:
- Easy to clean
- Highest level of durability
- Quaint rustic look that is timeless
- Can add to curb appeal and property value
- Indoor/Outdoor applications
- Can be used on both brick and stone
- Can also be applied to faux brick and stone
When To Think Twice
There are occasions when we don’t recommend German smear on brick. For example if your fireplace has already been painted with regular latex paint.
We don’t recommend German smear in this case because the mortar won’t adhere to the paint. If you’re dead set on it, you’ll have to remove all of the paint first. Then you could go ahead with your German smear.
If the brick you have is very smooth, it will also alter the look and might not give you the aesthetic you’re looking for. German smear can be done on smooth bricks, but it looks best on rough bricks and stonework.
Historic bricks can also be problematic. They tend to crumble more easily and you may need to seal them before the mortar can be applied.
There Are Few Limits To Where It Can Be Applied
Because of its durability, German smear is perfect for both your indoor or outdoor fireplace, home exteriors and any outdoor hardscapes. Like the exterior of any home you’ll just need to power wash it twice a year to keep it looking its best.
Limewash and whitewash are less resistant to the elements and often need retouching. This is especially the case if you live in an area that has very cold winters and extremely hot summers. These finishes are also more delicate and we don’t always recommend power washing. This means cleaning will be more time-consuming or more expensive for you to outsource.
What To Know Before You Start
You should begin by thoroughly cleaning the surface. This will help your mortar adhere to the brick. Power washing is often a good place to start unless you have historic bricks or of course, your project is your indoor fireplace.
Because of how fragile historic brick can be, we never recommend trying to pressure wash them yourself. Getting the bricks or stonework clean to start with, can be very labor intensive and you may want to consider hiring a pro.
After a good cleaning you may see cracks in your brickwork that you didn’t notice before. You should get them fixed before continuing with your german smear.
If your brickwork is old and damaged and you’re in the Dallas, Texas area, contact us at AX Masonry. We’d be happy to make repairs and even give you a free quote on your German Smear project.
When To Call A Professional
Top reasons why people call us, when it comes to German smear on brick are:
- Safety issues with high and hard-to-reach places
- Not having the right tools
- Not enough time
- Unsure of the condition of their brickwork
- Questions about color options
- Wanting a guaranteed result
At AX Masonry we monitor the weather and choose the best time to complete your project, especially if it’s an exterior project.
After you’ve contacted us we’ll discuss with you the exact look you’re going for and how we intend to deliver that. Even within the German smear aesthetic you have many options that we would be happy to go over. We can even do a test section to make sure it’s the look you’re going for.
Our quotes are free and the results are guaranteed.
Things To Keep In Mind Before You Decide To DIY
First and foremost, remember that German smear is a permanent brick/stone treatment. It’s not easy to change if you don’t like the final look.
An issue that DIYers commonly face is applying the mortar incorrectly and trapping moisture. This creates problems down the road like peeling, cracking, and uneven colors and textures.
Something else to watch out for is nicotine bleed on indoor fireplaces that aren’t cleaned properly before applying German smear. Nicotine film can turn the white German smear yellow in areas. It can be difficult to fix and it’s best to do it right the first time.
Keep in mind that many homeowners seem to struggle to get the mortar the right consistency and underestimate how hard it is to apply it evenly. These two factors can cause you to waste a lot of money and time.
For more tips on getting the best DIY application, read our article: DIY Guide To Achieve Your Desired German Smear Fireplace.
Is It Cheaper To German Schmear or Paint Your Brick?
Painting is initially your more cost-effective route but has more long-term maintenance costs. Inflation means that the cost of house paint and labor will continue to rise. Homes often need to be repainted periodically and it will likely cost you twice as much down the road.
On the other hand, German smear is once and done and future maintenance just involves cleaning the house twice a year. A painted house requires the same biannual cleaning. So you decide…cheaper now or cheaper in the long run, it’s up to you.
Final Thoughts
German smear, though currently trendy, isn’t a fad. This technique has been around for centuries and never goes out of style. It’s a beautiful way to add rustic elegance to your home or hardscape. It’s durable and easy to maintain.
Check out our gallery for ideas and to see what we’ve done for other clients.
Fill out the form below now to get your free German Smear Project Consultation.
FAQs
Can you power wash German smear bricks?
Yes, it can be safe to powerwash or softwash your German smear finish. Keep in mind that power washing can damage the finish if not done correctly, so make sure you know what you’re doing. We usually recommend biannual cleanings to avoid excessive dirt and mildew buildup.
Does German smear on brick need to be sealed?
No, German smear doesn’t need to be sealed but there are occasions when homeowners may wish to seal it. Depending on the location of your home, sealing can prevent staining from mold or mildew and make cleaning even easier. If you are German smearing an interior fireplace or wall, sealing may also be a good idea as an extra layer of protection against things like cigarette smoke.
Is German smear good for brick?
Yes, German smear is actually good for brick as it adds a layer of protection from the elements.
How long will my German smear finish last?
German smear is a permanent finish that will last for decades if done correctly. That’s why it’s best to hire professionals.
If I have to remove German smear…how do I do it?
Removing German smear from your brick or stonework is very difficult once it’s dry and can require a combination of harsh chemicals, sandblasting, or grinding. You may never be able to remove all of it. German smear is a commitment.