German Schmear Finishes

The German Smear technique is similar to whitewashing bricks, but instead of simply diluting latex paint, the brick is covered with wet mortar. It mimics the look of irregular stones and heavy mortar joints like the ones found in old European villages on historic cottages and castles.

If you are asking yourself this question, then you are probably ready to make a change. You can bring an old-world charm to your outdated stone fireplace, with the DIY technique called German Schmear. 

How to German Smear a Fireplace. Mimic the look of old European cottages with the German smear technique by applying white mortar to create heavy grout lines, then smearing the excess mortar across the surface of the fireplace to create the illusion of imperfectly shaped bricks.

German smear is a masonry technique that involves applying a thin coat of mortar onto the surface of brick or stone and then smearing it off, leaving behind a textured and whitewashed appearance

It was first introduced in Germany in the 1500s as a way to finish walls made of brick and stone. Unlike paint that lasts 5 years before it chips or breaks, German Schmear can last 40 years or longer and prevents mold by allowing air to breathe through the brick while preventing water from entering. 

Unlike lime wash or paint that must be power washed and refreshed with a new coat every 5 to 7 years, German schmear is a permanent solution. While it cannot be applied to brick that already has been painted, German schmear will bond with clean brick to provide texture and an old world look of heavy mortar joints.

Yes, as a rough estimate you can typically receive a 4x return for roughly half the cost as other options. These are rates we and other industry leaders have seen in the market. 

Yes, it's a versatile technique that can be applied to masonry surfaces, regardless of brick color and is more durable than limewash paint and whitewashed brick.

Tuckpointing is a method used to repair and improve the appearance of brick or stone walls. In simple terms, it involves removing old or damaged mortar (the material between the bricks or stones) and replacing it with fresh mortar. Often, two colors of mortar are used: one that matches the existing brick, and another (a thin line) that creates a crisp, uniform look.

This technique serves two main purposes:

1. Structural – By replacing crumbling mortar, tuckpointing helps prevent water damage and keeps the wall stable and secure.
2. Aesthetic – It refreshes the look of bricks or stones, making the wall appear neat, clean, and well-maintained.

For beginners, think of tuckpointing as a way to give brick walls a “face-lift” while also reinforcing their durability. It’s a cost-effective way to maintain and protect masonry surfaces over the long term.