German Smear Specialists
Industry Leaders specializing in the art of German smear
All About Us:
Unlike general masonry or painting contractors, we never subcontract. Every project is completed by our in-house craftsmen, ensuring the quality and consistency that only direct accountability provides.
Founded in 2019, German Smear Specialists is a family-operated company dedicated exclusively to the art of German Smear. Our team brings years of hands-on experience in Traditional, Rustic, Slurry, Mortar Wash, and Custom finish techniques.
Our mission is simple — deliver authentic, hand-applied finishes that elevate brick and stone surfaces with timeless character and structural integrity. From historic restorations to modern transformations, our finishes are built to endure decades of beauty and protection.
Our Promise to You
We stand behind every project with our Customer Assurance Commitment — a clear set of standards that define who we are and how we work.
1. Project Attendance
From day one to completion, our crew remains on-site and engaged. We work efficiently and respectfully, minimizing disruption while ensuring precision and timely completion.
2. Quality Craftsmanship
We use premium materials and skilled artisans to create finishes that last. Every surface is prepared, applied, and detailed with industry-leading methods that guarantee both beauty and durability.
3. Transparent Communication
From consultation to completion, you’ll always know what’s happening next. We maintain open communication, provide daily updates, and ensure that all expectations are met before moving forward.
4. Exceptional Customer Service
We treat every home as if it were our own. Should any concern arise, we address it promptly and professionally. Our goal is lasting satisfaction — not just at project completion, but for years to come.
Benefits of German Smear For Your Property
Key Benefits
Multiple customizable styles and textures
Optional color tinting for personalized tone
Adds an extra layer of thermal insulation
Never peels, fades, or flakes
Prevents moisture entrapment within brick or stone
Minimal maintenance required
Withstands extreme weather conditions
Bonds naturally with unpainted mortar
No recoating or repainting required
Strengthens and stabilizes brick integrity
Lasts for decades with timeless appeal
Our Optional But Highly Valuable Brick Protection System
Beyond appearance, our Brick Protection system protects your home from water intrusion and surface decay.
Invisible finish — no change to brick texture or tone
Works below the surface (no surface film)
Reduces surface water absorption by up to 95%
Guards against freeze/thaw damage and de-icing salt erosion
Minimizes mold, mildew, and algae growth
Extends the lifespan of both brick and your new finish
How We Handle Each Project
Our process is structured, transparent, and centered on quality control at every phase.
1. Initial Consultation
We begin by understanding your goals, architectural style, and finish preferences. You’ll receive professional recommendations, style samples, and an itemized, guaranteed estimate.
2. Preparation Phase
Power wash and deep-clean all brick surfaces to remove dirt, efflorescence, and contaminants
Protect windows, landscaping, and exterior features
Designate a safe, organized area for equipment and cleaning
Provide on-site sample applications for color and texture approval.
Our team will remain on the sample phase until there is a satisfactory sample made to your liking.
3. Application Process
Apply custom mortar blend in the chosen style
Work in complete sections to ensure consistent tone and texture
Invite you to review progress periodically for real-time input
Adjust texture or coverage, if needed, to align with your vision
4. End-of-Day Routine
Clean all work and staging areas daily
Organize tools, wrap hoses, and secure tarps
Dispose of debris and materials responsibly
Provide a brief daily progress update and next-day expectations
5. Project Completion
Final cleaning of all treated areas
Detailed walkthrough with homeowner to confirm satisfaction
Address any punch list items immediately
Collect final payment only after approval of finished results
German Smear Finish Styles
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A refined, modern finish where up to 90% of the brick surface is covered with a smooth, continuous layer of mortar. All joints are filled to create a seamless, cohesive appearance with subtle tonal variation and soft aging. The result is a clean, elegant transformation that preserves the warmth and texture of brick while delivering a more contemporary aesthetic.
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A bold, artisan-applied finish that blends the depth of traditional German Smear with the dimensional richness of plaster work. Many bricks remain visible, but the overfilled joints and hand-troweled mortar create sculpted contours and pronounced texture. Each surface is uniquely crafted, offering a distinctive, high-relief appearance that highlights the natural rhythm of the masonry.
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Designed to evoke an aged, European character, this finish fills all joints while varying the level of brick exposure across the surface. The intentionally uneven application creates a warm, organic feel reminiscent of centuries-old masonry. Its subtle imperfections and natural flow give the home an authentic, lived-in charm that feels timeless and inviting.
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The hallmark of the German Smear technique, this style balances exposed brick with softly brushed mortar. Mortar trails partially overlap brick faces, creating a delicate interplay of light and shadow. The result is a classic, handcrafted look that enhances the original character of the masonry while adding depth, softness, and subtle contrast.
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A full-coverage finish that envelopes the brick surface in a uniform coat of mortar. Depending on application, it can range from a smooth, stucco-like texture to a semi-translucent wash that allows underlying brick tones to peek through. The effect produces rich tonal depth and gentle color transitions, giving the home a softly weathered, whitewashed appearance.
Our In-House Only Policy
Every project is performed by our own trained team — never subcontractors. This ensures consistent craftsmanship, accountability, and attention to detail from start to finish.
Each project is personally led by Thomas, the owner and lead artisan, who works hands-on alongside his team of artists — all of whom he has personally trained to uphold the same standards of excellence and precision that define our company.
Every project is performed by our own trained team — never subcontractors. This ensures consistent craftsmanship, accountability, and attention to detail from start to finish.
Each project is personally led by Thomas, the owner and lead artisan, who works hands-on alongside his team of artists — all of whom he has personally trained to uphold the same standards of excellence and precision that define our company.
Behind the scenes, Hayden, our Chief Estimator, reviews every proposal and contract before it is sent out to ensure accuracy, transparency, and the most competitive pricing possible.
Your home receives the full expertise, care, and passion of a team that treats every project as a work of art — guided by leadership that’s involved every step of the way.
The Final Word: Built to Last, Crafted to Remember
At German Smear Specialists, we don’t just refinish brick — we restore character, integrity, and soul to every home we touch. Our craft is rooted in patience, precision, and pride — not production speed. Every stroke of mortar, every shade, and every surface we transform reflects decades of combined experience and an unwavering respect for traditional masonry.
We believe a home’s exterior should tell a story — one that endures long after the project is complete. That’s why every finish we apply is hand-crafted, never rushed, and backed by a company that stands firmly behind its work.
If you’re ready to invest in a finish that protects, preserves, and elevates your home for decades, you’ve found the right craftsmen.
Because when it’s done by German Smear Specialists — it’s done for life.