What It Is and How to Do It

German schmear is an excellent option for updating aging brick. This mortar mix adds both texture and coloring, while allowing hints of the original brick to show through in places. The end result is an aesthetic that resembles old cottage homes or long-standing German castles.

Learn more about German schmear and and how to use it to update your home’s exterior or an interior fireplace.

What Is German Schmear?

Essentially, German schmear is a brick treatment technique that uses a mix of cement mortar and water to update the appearance of the existing brick. The treatment involves partially covering the wall or fireplace to allow for varying amount of brick to show through the textured white tint of the German schmear mortar.

Generally, German schmear mortar is white, while the underlying brick is red. However, you can experiment with different brick colors and mortar colors to find a look that suits your personal preferences. Different mortar to water ratios can affect the application and final appearance as well.

German Schmear vs. Whitewashing

Another common option for treating brick surfaces is whitewashing. While German schmear uses a mortar mix to cover the brick, whitewashing uses diluted white paint to coat the brick. The result is a thin layer of paint that gives the brick a white tint, though depending on the color of the brick and the consistency of the paint, you may find that the brick looks more mauve or purple with whitewashing.

German schmear mortar doesn’t have the same problem because it is substantially thicker. This thick composition makes German schmear mortar easier to apply with intentional variation when compared to whitewashing. However, it does take less time and overall effort to whitewash a brick wall, so if you are looking for a quick and easy project, whitewashing may be the better choice.

When to Use German Schmear

Since German schmear uses mortar to partially cover the brick, it’s an ideal solution for chipped or cracked brick surfaces because the mortar can cover up any imperfections.

German schmear also helps to protect the underlying wall. This mortar mix is durable and resistant to rain, sleet, ice, and snow, improving the overall strength of the existing brick, while serving as a protective layer between the brick and the elements.

German schmear can be applied to create a weathered or worn look that is similar to old fairytale cottages and castles that dot the landscape of northern Germany. However, it should be noted that German schmear will have a hard time adhering to painted brick or polished brick. Additionally, it may damage historic brick facades, so avoid using German schmear mortar for these brick surfaces.

How to Use German Schmear on a Fireplace

Update the appearance of an aging or bland brick fireplace by using these steps to prepare the brick, mix the German schmear mortar, and apply the brick finish.

1. Clean the brick with a stiff bristle brush to remove all dirt, mildew, and other debris for better adhesion.
2. Mix the German schmear mortar in a five-gallon bucket, using a standard ratio of 70 percent mortar and 30 percent water to achieve a peanut butter consistency.
3. Wet the walls with a sponge to help prevent the mortar from drying too quickly once it is applied.
4. Apply the mortar mix using a trowel, paint roller, or grout sponge. Work from top to bottom, making sure to fill any grooves or gaps.
5. Remove excess German schmear mortar from the walls before it starts to set, then allow the mortar to dry.