What is German smear painting? German smear mimics the look of irregular stones and heavy mortar joints, a style often found on centuries-old cottages and castles throughout northern Germany.
The technique is akin to whitewashing bricks, but instead of using diluted latex paint, homeowners coat the brick with a layer of wet mortar.
What is a German smear? 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.
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 Schmear trendy? A paint technique that’s super trendy right now! As it turns out, the German schmear paint process is an interesting way to transform an outdated brick fireplace from drab to charming using just a few supplies. Let’s take a look at how this magic happens.
What is German smear painting? – Related Questions
Can you wash German smear?
Traditional Paint
What’s the difference between whitewash and Limewash?
First let’s start with the difference between the two. Whitewash is taking a watered down version of paint and applying it directly to the brick. Limewash is a mix of lime, minerals, and water that is applied directly to the brick. Limewash soaks into the brick instead of sitting directly on top of it.
Does German Schmear need to be sealed?
If you’re planing on doing German smear on real brick, you’ll want to seal it first if it’s old brick that was part of a fireplace or chimney. The mortar won’t adhere to a brick surface that’s already been painted.
Can you Limewash over German smear?
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.
Can you German smear 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.
Does German smear add value to your home?
They’re durable, long-lasting, and add value to your home.
But over the years it can get boring having to look at the same old red bricks.
And it’s not worth it to replace your durable bricks with inferior materials.
That’s why a German Smear look is such a great idea.
Can you German Schmear over painted brick?
A traditional German schmear is done on a smooth, non-painted brick.
The brick has to be smooth so that when you mortar over the bricks and then wipe it away (aka smear) you are left with some bricks that are more white than others.
How long will whitewash last?
20 to 30 years
If applied correctly, whitewashing can last up to 20 to 30 years, with little need for maintenance.
Why do you add salt to whitewash?
Sometimes soap and common salt should be used in whitewash to increase adhesion. Plaster of Paris (Pop) provides a thin and smooth finishing to a plastered wall.It needs to be applied first to provide smoothness and a solid surface for the painting.
Can you use spackle for German schmear?
My sweet friend Kathryn worked her magic spackling (German Schmear/ German Smear) the wall while I painted the rest of the room in a warm gray. Using your knife, press up and down and side to side until grout lines are filled and bricks are covered in the desired amount of spackle.
Can you use thinset mortar German smear?
A true German Smear uses mortar.
If you use Portland cement, lime, sand, and water and mix your own mortar—bless you, I am not willing to do that.
If the consistency is not right on the first 3 ingredients, it will crumble and fall apart.
So premixed is the way to go, using the ratio of 70/30 mix/water.
What is white mortar?
White mortar is made with either white masonry cement or mortar cement, or with a combination of white portland cement, hydrated lime or lime putty, and white sand. Buff or brown sands used to produce white mortar will impart a darker undertone to mortar color.
How do you make red bricks look old?
To start, mix latex paint with an equal amount of water to thin the paint. If you prefer a whiter look, don’t add quite as much water. If you want more of the brick color to show, add more water. It’s better to start with a thinner mixture.
