How to German Smear Your Brick: A Guide

Want to give your brick home a quick makeover? German smear might be the answer.

This simple technique uses mortar to create an aged, cottage-style look that’s become very popular with homeowners.

German smear takes plain brick and turns it into something special – a wall that looks like it’s been standing for hundreds of years. The process puts a thin layer of mortar on brick, then wipes some away to create a unique, textured finish.

In this guide, you’ll learn what a German smear is, how to do it yourself, what materials you need, and tips to get it right the first time. Let’s make your brick from boring to beautiful!

What is German Smear?

German Smear started in Northern Germany as an affordable way to repair and warm homes. German Smear is a way to change the look of brick by applying a thin layer of wet mortar.

You spread the mortar mix onto the bricks and then wipe some of it off before it dries. This leaves some brick showing through while other parts are covered with white or light gray mortar.

Unlike painting brick, which covers everything evenly, German Smear creates a unique pattern on each wall because of how the mortar sticks to different parts of the brick.

The result is a rustic, aged look that makes new brick appear much older. This method costs less than other brick changes, and you can do it yourself with basic tools.

Benefits of German Smeared Brick

1. Adds Character and Charm: German Smear adds character and charm to any brick home. The uneven coating creates a unique look that makes your home stand out. It gives new homes a historic feel and appearance.
2. Weather Protection: The mortar layer acts as extra protection against weather damage, shielding your brick from rain, wind, and other harmful elements.
3. Long-lasting Finish: The finish lasts for many years without needing touch-ups or repairs. Once applied correctly, it requires very little maintenance. It holds up well in tough weather conditions.

Step-by-Step DIY: German Smear a Brick

Changing your brick with the German Smear method isn’t hard, but it does take time and careful work. Follow these steps to get the look you want for your home:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

• White Portland cement (not pre-mixed mortar)
• Hydrated lime
• Fine sand
• Water
• Large plastic bucket or tub
• Drill with mixing attachment
• Trowel
• Several large sponges
• Wire brush
• Gloves (rubber or work gloves)
• Safety glasses
• Mask or respirator
• Drop cloths
• Garden hose with spray nozzle
• Stiff bristle brush

Step 2: Preparing the Brick Surface

Clean your brick surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or loose mortar. Use a brush and water to scrub the surface clean. Make sure the brick is structurally sound – repair any damaged areas before starting.

Cover windows, doors, and any areas you don’t want mortar on with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. Allow the bricks to dry completely before applying the mortar mix.

Step 2: Mixing the Mortar

Start by adding water to the bottom of your bucket first. Then, gradually add the thin-set mortar while mixing with your drill attachment.

Mix it thoroughly until you reach a consistency similar to honey or thin pancake batter, as mentioned in the transcript.

This consistency is key – too thick and it won’t spread well; too thin and it won’t stick properly. Make small batches at a time since the mortar will begin to set as you work.

Step 3: Application Process

Apply the mortar to the brick using a trowel, working in small sections at a time. For the smeared look, apply the mortar and then partially wipe it off while still wet.

Work from top to bottom to avoid drips on completed sections. For a two-story home, start with the areas requiring a ladder.

Take your time with the application – the texture and coverage will determine the final look. Apply more pressure in areas where you want less brick to show through.

Step 4: Drying Time and Curing

Allow the mortar to dry completely, which typically takes 24-48 hours, depending on weather conditions—the mortar bonds with the brick, creating a lasting finish. For best results, avoid applying in extreme weather conditions.

The German Smear will lighten slightly as it dries, so keep that in mind when applying.

Is German Smear Brick Right for Your Home?

Not every home is a good match for German smear. Before you start this project, consider these key factors to ensure it’s the right choice for your situation.

German Smear works well both inside and outside your home. Outdoors, it can change the look of brick walls, chimneys, and garden walls.

Inside, it’s great for accent walls, fireplaces, and kitchen backsplashes. Outdoor applications need stronger mortar to handle weather, while indoor projects can use a lighter mix.

Red clay bricks show the best results with German Smear. The contrast between dark red brick and white mortar creates a striking look. Smooth bricks are harder to work with because mortar doesn’t grip well.

Rough, porous bricks hold the mortar better and create a more authentic, aged look. Both new and old bricks work well, but the final appearance will differ slightly.

You can apply German Smear over painted brick, but it takes extra steps. The painted surface needs rough sanding first so the mortar can stick properly.

Another option is removing the paint completely before applying the German Smear. This is more work but gives better long-term results since mortar bonds more strongly to raw brick than to painted surfaces.

German Smear vs. Alternatives

German Smear offers a distinct look with unique benefits compared to other brick treatments. Consider these alternatives before deciding which is best for your home.

Feature	German Smear	Whitewash	Limewash
Materials	Mortar mix	Paint and water mixture	Lime, water, and minerals
Durability	20+ years	3-5 years	5-7 years
Application	Apply and wipe	Brush in thin layers	Multiple thin coats
Look	Textured, dimensional	Flatter, uniform	Soft, chalky finish
Permanence	Permanent	Can be removed	Partially removable
Maintenance	Very low	Moderate	Moderate

Wondering Which is Better for Your Needs? It’s simple: Choose German Smear for permanent, low-maintenance results. Pick whitewash or limewash if you might want to change the look later or prefer a softer finish.

Maintenance Tips and Common Mistakes

German smear brick is easy to care for, but a few simple steps can help it look great for decades. Here’s what you need to know:

• Durability: German smear lasts over 20 years with little need for touch-ups.
• Cleaning: Use water and a soft brush once a year to remove dirt and dust.
• Stains: For tougher spots, apply mild soap and rinse thoroughly.
• Avoid: Skip pressure washers and acidic cleaners to protect the finish.
• Patina: The Finish may age naturally over time, adding charm.
• Weather: South-facing or exposed walls may show wear after 10–15 years.
• Touch-ups: Easily refresh with added mortar; full removal is hard without damage.
• Cost: Low maintenance makes it a budget-friendly, long-term choice.

With just a little care, your German smear brick can stay beautiful and strong for many years to come.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to German smear, understanding what mistakes to avoid can save you time and money in the long run.

Here are a few:

• Using painted or sealed brick without proper preparation prevents the mortar from bonding correctly.
• Applying too much mortar, creating a solid white wall instead of the desired partial coverage effect.
• Skipping surface preparation leads to poor adhesion and premature flaking.
• Using pre-mixed mortar instead of making your own can result in incorrect consistency.
• Working in extreme weather conditions can cause the mortar to dry too quickly or too slowly.

Conclusion

German Smear is a simple way to update your brick home with lasting results. You can do it yourself with basic tools and save thousands of dollars, or hire a pro if you’re short on time.

If you liked this article, check out our other brick update ideas and home improvement guides. We have many easy projects that can change how your house looks without breaking the bank.

Have you tried German Smear on your home? Share your experience in the comments below! We’d love to see your before and after photos and hear about any tips you learned along the way.