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How to German Schmear Brick (Mortar Wash Fireplace Makeover)

Learn how to German schmear brick, in no time! Makeover a brick fireplace with mortar wash, a beginner-friendly DIY project.

As much as I love the cozy features in our cottage-style home, some of it is a bit dark for my liking. For example, our east-facing living room only gets morning light, making it dim in the afternoons. Though I like the chunky wood trim, I’m not tied to the brick fireplace or mid-tone walls. Therefore, a German schmear brick fireplace makeover was a solution to brighten the living room.

how to german schmear brick

German schmear, like a whitewash, doesn’t fully cover the brick. While I like painted brick, I felt retaining some amount of exposed brick would be true to the modern cottage design concept we’ve chosen. So, if you are a brick lover, a German schmear is a great compromise — lighter and brighter, while still preserving character. 

german smear fireplace, non-working fireplace filled with gifts, circle mirror over mantel, stockings hung on mantel with greenery

What is a mortar wash?

A mortar wash is a decorative effect which involves strategically spreading a mixture of mortar and cement across brick.

The term German schmear (or German smear)  has origins in Germany from the word “schmear” meaning “to spread, grease, smear.

Fireplace Christmas Decorations with Feather Wreath, Brass Candles, and Garland. Christmas Mantel Ideas on a German Schmear Brick Fireplace.

Unlike a whitewash, which is typically thin paint or paints thinned with water, the German schmear technique uses a thick medium. Mortar is the traditional medium, or use paint for a faux treatment. Completing German schmear with paint is simpler, and achieves a similar look.

You might also like: What are the differences? German Schmear vs. Mortar Wash vs. Limewash 

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How to German Schmear Brick

Note: This tutorial utilizes paint. If you want to try mortar, I suggest this mortar wash tutorial from Dimples and Tangles.

german smear fireplace, stockings and greenery on Christmas mantel

Supplies Needed

Instructions

  1. First, vacuum the brick to remove dust, debris, and cobwebs.
  2. Once clean, cover the mantel, firebox opening, floor, trim, etc. with plastic dropcloths and painters tape.
  3. Now, dip the paint brush into the paint. There is no need to cover the brush in paint, only the tip of the brush.
  4. Next, run the brush tip over the mortar surrounding a brick, generously applying paint.
  5. Once the mortar is covered with paint, use the paintbrush (without adding paint) to spread the paint from the mortar and across the brick. This smears the paint over the face of the brick… hence, the name “German schmear.
  6. Finally, repeat steps 3-5 until all of the mortar on the fireplace is covered. If you aren’t satisfied with the coverage, apply a second coat.

Note: For reference, my fireplace has two coats of German schmear. It took less than 4 hours to complete, including dry time and cleanup. I used less than 1 gallon of paint. 

german smear brick fireplace makeover

Note: Looking for living room light ideas? The light in the photo above brightened our entire room.

DIY German Schmear Projects

German schmear can be used on interior or exterior brick – even on faux bricks! If you’re considering giving german schmear a try, you’ll want to check out the following posts, too:

We couldn’t be more pleased with our german schmear fireplace, and plan to use the technique on the exterior of our modern cottage home and on the basement fireplace.

German Schmear Brick Fireplace with Christmas Decorations - Feather Wreath, Brass Candles, and Garland. Christmas Mantel Ideas on a German Schmear Brick Fireplace.
FAQs
What is the difference between mortar wash and whitewash?

A mortar wash uses a mortar/cement mix or with undiluted paint. A whitewash requires thin paint or paints diluted with water.

Do I need to use a primer to paint brick?

No. However, using paint and primer in one may reduce the total number of coats required.

What type of brush should I use to paint brick?

Skip expensive brushes since the brick will be tough on the brush bristles. Ideally, choose a brush that is thick enough to cover the mortar lines, and approximately 2 inches wide. This will make painting the mortar quick and easy.

Do you add water to the paint?

No. German schmear is a dry brush technique.

Should you paint the inside of the fireplace, too?

Yes! If your firebox is dingy and dirty, give it a fresh coat of paint, as well. Use a heat-safe paint as described in this tutorial about how to paint the firebox.

Fireplace Christmas Decorations with Feather Wreath, Brass Candles, and Garland. Christmas Mantel Ideas on a German Schmear Brick Fireplace.

How to German Schmear Brick (Mortar Wash)

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Learn how to German schmear brick, in no time! Makeover a brick fireplace with mortar wash, a beginner-friendly DIY project. 

Materials

Tools

Instructions

  1. First, vacuum the brick to remove dust, debris, and cobwebs. 
  2. Once clean, cover the mantel, firebox opening, floor, trim, etc. with plastic dropcloths and painters tape.
  3. Now, dip the paint brush into the paint. There is no need to cover the brush in paint, only the tip of the brush. 
  4. Next, run the brush tip over the mortar surrounding a brick, generously applying paint.
  5. Once the mortar is covered with paint, use the paintbrush (without adding paint) to spread the paint from the mortar and across the brick. This smears the paint over the face of the brick... hence, the name "German schmear."
  1. Repeat steps 3-5 until all of the mortar on the fireplace is covered. If you aren't satisfied with the coverage, apply a second coat.

Notes

For reference, my fireplace has two coats of German schmear. It took less than 4 hours to complete, including dry time and cleanup. I used less than 1 gallon of paint.

If you liked this DIY project, you might also like:

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How to German Schmear (Mortar Wash) a Brick Fireplace
German Smear Brick Fireplace Makeover

Karen

Thursday 13th of October 2022

Your Step #5 seems to be missing a few words in the first sentence.

Lora Green

Thursday 20th of October 2022

Thank you! Good catch, Karen. I have fixed that step and appreciate you letting me know :)

Luke

Tuesday 14th of December 2021

Looks great! Which SW paint did you go with? SuperPaint, Emerald, Duration? Acrylic Latex, Acrylic Enamel? Oil base?

Lora Green

Monday 20th of December 2021

Thanks, Luke! That is a great question and I can't recall for certain - but I generally buy Emerald. I do know for sure that it was an Acrylic Latex, and not enamel or oil base.

Jen

Monday 15th of November 2021

Did you use a sponge at all to get the coverage you got, or was it only the brush? Your results are the best I've ever seen and I'm trying to work up the nerve. Nothing looks streaky in your images and I'm wanting to learn how to achieve that. Thanks!

Lora Green

Tuesday 23rd of November 2021

Thank you, Jen, for your kind comments :) I did not use a sponge, only a dry brush. Let me know if you have more questions!

Liz

Saturday 12th of June 2021

After years of loving this look and doing lots of research, I finally got the courage to try your technique on our master bedroom fireplace. I love it! The process was so easy and actually fun!! Thanks for all of your tips. Now on to my family room! Here are by before and after pics.... image 1 779C9F49-2FFC-42B9-BF16-F8C9D0241D2D/IMG_3485.HEIC image 2 8B64F38B-88DC-42FE-B44E-0A66D7E42E7B/IMG_3487.HEIC

I had trouble attaching the photos...hope it worked!

Lora Green

Monday 14th of June 2021

I'm so glad you are happy with it, Liz! It is such a surprisingly simple and enjoyable DIY project, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I can't open your pics, but if you'd like to send them to loragreen@craftivitydesigns.com, I'd love to see them!

Regan

Friday 7th of May 2021

Love this! How has your paint held up after all this time? Did you use an wall paint or trim paint?

Lora Green

Friday 7th of May 2021

Thank you!! Wall paint. It has held up great! We've had no issues at all.

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