The German Schmear finish is
a type of mortar wash
. It involves troweling mortar onto a brick wall and then wiping some of it off to expose parts of the brick. It’s a popular choice both for homeowners wanting to remodel an older home as well as people looking for some rugged sophistication on a newly constructed home.
Is German smear bad for brick?
Old Bricks
German Smear is a great way to breathe life into some old bricks. But
if bricks are too old and damaged, there’s not much you can do
. If you apply mortar to a piece of brick that’s already starting to fall off, when it finally does fall off, it will take the mortar with it.
Is German Schmear good for brick?
The
German Smear
Look
The technique is akin to whitewashing bricks, but instead of using diluted latex paint, homeowners coat the brick with a layer of wet mortar. … It also gives the bricks partial coverage, which softens the harsh straight lines that exist in traditional brick siding and creates an irregular pattern.
What is the German Schmear technique?
The German Smear is
a mortar wash technique
. Instead of paint, you smear mortar mixed with cement over the brick to white it out. Unlike paint or lime, mortar does not penetrate the brick but instead covers it and creates texture.
What is the difference between German Schmear and limewash?
What is the difference between limewash and german schmear?
Limewash is made with crushed limestone
. German schmear (or smear) is made with mortar.
Does German smear last?
However, when it comes to the amount of time a German smear lasts, it is important to know that
it is permanent
. There is no changing your mind in a couple years and taking it down. But, if done correctly, a German smear looks awesome and will be something you can happily enjoy for years to come.
Is German smear a good idea?
Mortar Wash of German Smear
Mortar wash or German smear is a way of antiquing your brick siding with mortar. The good news is that it
is very cheap and it’s DIY friendly
. Also, unlike any of the other options, including paint, it’s permanent. This is a good thing since German smear is also very labor-intensive.
How long does it take to German Schmear a house?
Let the Mortar Set for a While
FYI, it usually takes
approximately 20 up to 45 minutes
for a mortar mix to get perfectly dry on a brick surface. It means you should only let the mixture set on the surface for less than 20 minutes.
What kind of mortar do you use for German schmear?
German smear uses
cement-based mortar
. Other techniques use regular paint or a limewash paint that’s usually been watered down.
Can you German smear stone?
Can You German Smear on Stone? The
German Schmear Technique is Flexible
. Since you use mortar for binding the stones, then you can easily do everything to a stone that involves mortar.
Can you German Schmear tile?
A German smear is a method used for brick and only raw brick. I’
m fairly sure it cannot be done over tile
. That tiled arch feels very heavy and dark, so I think you need to think about lighting more than anything.
Which is better whitewash or limewash?
I have to say my favorite is definitely
the limewash
! It creates a richer and more dimensional coverage, it is easier than whitewash, and it is so much more flexible. Although it is a little more expensive, I think it is worth it.
Can you limewash over German schmear?
If you prefer the whitewashed look over a German Schmear look, you can use
limewash
to achieve this as well. Depending on how much brick you’d like to show though, you can make the lime putty and water mixture thinner or thicker. This will add less texture to the brick, but still give it some character.
Is German Schmear timeless?
Your new German Smear finish is the perfect combination of rugged beauty and timeless elegance. It adds a touch of sophistication and old-world appeal. Plus, it’s durable, long-lasting, and easy to take care of. The German Smear is perfect for redecorating and repainting your brick fireplace.
