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German schmear is an excellent option for updating aging brick.

Thismortar mixadds 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.

German schmear on a fireplace

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What Is German Schmear?

Generally, German schmear mortar is white, while the underlying brick is red.

Different mortar to water ratios can affect the app and final appearance as well.

German Schmear vs. Whitewashing

Another common option for treating brick surfaces iswhitewashing.

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.

German schmear also helps to protect the underlying wall.

Additionally, it may damage historic brick facades, so avoid using German schmear mortar for these brick surfaces.

Generally, German schmear mortar mix is made up of 70 percent mortar and 30 percent water.

It’s better to stick to mortar instead of experimenting with grout.