Does your fireplace need a makeover? These before and after photos of German Schmear (or ‘smear’) fireplaces will inspire you to update your brick or stone hearth!
Our German Schmear brick fireplace project has been a hit, which got me thinking: wouldn’t it be great to see German Schmear (also called ‘smear’) in other homes, too?! So, today, I’ve rounded up a collection of gorgeous German Schmear fireplace before and after photos.
Is it ok to Paint Brick?
Yes! I’ve painted a brick fireplace, completed a german schmear treatment on brick, and even painted a faux brick backsplash. Painting brick has proven to be a durable, cost-effective, DIY project that truly brightens a room.
TIP: Have a dark room? Check out How to Brighten a Room (the Ultimate Guide), for all my favorite tips.
I love brick… the rustic texture, it’s strength and durability. However, I prefer a lighter color palette. German Schmear is the best of both worlds – lightening brick without fully covering it. You retain the character of brick, while still brightening up a room.
If you’re interested in trying this technique on your exterior, check out these examples of exteriors with German Schmear.
Before and After German Schmear
Note: To see both the before and after photo, click “continue reading”. I only included either the before or after in this post. Please click through to the homeowner’s post in order to see the before and after side by side.
Learn how to German schmear brick, in no time! Unlike most DIY projects, I was surprised by how quick and easy it was to makeover a brick fireplace with mortar wash. It's a beginner-friendly DIY, that can truly transform a room! The video tutorial, instructions, and before photo will provide you all the details for a lovely German Schmear fireplace.
Kathy, of Up-to-Date Interiors, updated her classic Texas stone fireplace with German Schmear (sometimes spelled 'smear'). For less than $10, she shows you how to update a stone or brick fireplace with mortar wash.
Angie, of Postcards from the Ridge, updated her double-sided red brick fireplace with a painted German Schmear. Brick lovers will be able to relate with Angie, as she was torn over whether to update the brick. She loves to preserve a home's original bones, but also desired a lighter and brighter space. Head over to Postcards from the Ridge to see the final result and hear her thoughts on the big change.
Heather, of Heathered Nest, didn't just apply German Schmear - she also built a fireplace with brick tile and a gas insert! This big project was finished off with a lovely mortar wash. In her post, she explains how to use inspiration photos to determine the look you are after - and how much coverage you'd like on each brick.
Cindy, of DIY Beautify, used a very forgiving medium - chalk paint - to apply a German Schmear. If you are nervous about accidentally applying too much paint, check out Cindy's tips for how to fine-tune it as you go. Your fireplace will turn out exactly as you'd like!
Robin, of Frugal Family Times, built an affordable corner fireplace with an electric insert and faux brick paneling. German Schmear is a great way to disguise the fact that faux brick isn't real. So, if you'd like a fireplace on a budget, you'll love Robin's tutorial!
If you liked this DIY project, you might also like:
- How to German Schmear Brick
- Before and After Photos of German Schmear Exteriors
- How to Paint a Brick Fireplace (and which paint to use!)
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