9 Inspiring German Smear Brick House Before & Afters

Do plain brick homes leave you feeling bored? Many homeowners feel stuck with the same old look that doesn’t match their style.

German smear technique offers a simple solution to modify your brick exterior without a complete rebuild.

In this post, you’ll see 9 real homes that went from ordinary to eye-catching with the German smear method.

These photos show how this affordable technique can add charm and value to your property.

Keep reading to learn how these homeowners changed their homes’ look with just mortar, water, and a bit of effort.

You’ll get ideas for your brick makeover project.

What is a German Smear?

German smear is a brick finish technique that puts a thin coat of wet mortar over bricks. The mortar gets partly wiped off, creating a textured, old-world look. This method makes new bricks appear aged and worn, like those found in old European homes.

Unlike whitewashing, which uses watery paint to add a see-through white layer, German smear uses actual mortar. Limewashing applies lime-based liquid that soaks into brick. German smear sits on top of the brick surface instead.

Benefits of German Smear

• Long-lasting results: Once dried, the mortar bonds with the brick and lasts for many years without needing touch-ups.
• Classic charm: The technique adds depth and texture, giving homes a rustic, cottage-like feel.
• Custom looks: You control how much mortar stays on the brick. Wipe more off for a subtle effect or leave more on for a stronger contrast.
• Cost-effective update: This method costs less than full brick replacement but still changes your home’s entire look.
• Easy fixes: Unlike paint, you can add more mortar to spots that need extra coverage, even after the first application dries.

Before & After: 9 Incredible German Smear Transformations

1. Classic Red Brick to Rustic Old-World

Before: The house featured uniform red bricks laid in a perfect pattern. Each brick matched its neighbors in shade and size. The mortar lines were thin, dark, and receded into the background.

The overall effect felt mass-produced and lacked any sense of time or history. Windows looked flat against the wall of red. The home’s potential was hidden behind this cookie-cutter brick facade.

After: White mortar now clings to about 60% of each brick surface, the application varies—thicker in some areas, nearly absent in others. Some bricks show just a hint of red, while others disappear under the white coat.

The finish mimics buildings found in small German towns that have stood for centuries. Sunlight plays across the uneven surface, creating small shadows throughout the day. The texture now tells a story of craftsmanship and care.

2. Dull Brown Brick to Bright & Airy

Before: Chocolate-brown bricks absorbed light rather than reflected it, the dark tone made the house recede into its surroundings. Windows looked like black holes in the brown expanse.

The color scheme felt heavy and outdated. Even on sunny days, the house looked shadowed and unwelcoming. The brown brick created a visual weight that made the structure seem squat.

After: The white German smear technique lightens the entire house. About 80% of each brick surface now wears a coat of white mortar. The application was done with a wide brush, creating sweeping textures across the facade.

Bits of brown peek through strategically, adding warmth to the palette. The home now catches light and glows in the afternoon sun.

The bright walls make windows stand out as focal points. The visual weight has lifted, making the structure appear taller and more substantial.

3. 1970s Brick Ranch Revival

Before: This single-story ranch featured flat, salmon-colored bricks laid in straight rows. The surface lacked any depth or character. Decades of sun exposure had faded the upper rows to a washed-out orange.

The brick’s color clashed with the roof and trim. The dated look screamed “time capsule” rather than “timeless.” The long horizontal lines emphasized the home’s squat proportions.

After: The German smear technique used a mix of white and off-white mortar. The application focused on horizontal strokes with some vertical accents. About 65% of the original brick now hides beneath the textured finish.

The varied application makes some areas look centuries old. The front door now stands out against the muted background.

Corner bricks received less mortar, creating a framing effect. The home feels both older and newer at the same time—a true revival of its bones.

4. Weathered Brick to Farmhouse Style

Before: Years of weather had stripped these bricks of their original color. Water stains created dark streaks down the walls. Some bricks showed cracks and chips along their edges.

The mortar joints had crumbled in several areas. The overall effect felt neglected rather than charmingly aged. The faded red-brown color lacked any warmth or richness.

After: The German smear filled damaged areas while highlighting intact sections. White mortar was pressed into about 75% of the surface. The application used a distressing technique to vary the coverage.

Some bricks remain mostly exposed for contrast. The finish looks naturally worn, not artificially aged. Black shutters and window trim now stand out against the textured white background.

Wooden accents add warmth to complete the farmhouse look. The transformation honors the home’s age while giving it new life.

5. Suburban Brick to European Cottage

Before: This home featured standard orange-red bricks in a running bond pattern. Nothing distinguished it from dozens of similar homes in the neighborhood.

The bright tone felt harsh against the roof and landscaping. The flat, even surface lacked any sense of history or craftsmanship. The home seemed stuck in the decade it was built.

After: The German smear technique used thin, uneven applications of white mortar. About 50% of each brick remains visible through the coating. The mortar was worked into the surface with circular motions in some areas.

Other sections show straight, quick strokes that leave more brick exposed. The finish brings to mind cottages in rural France or Germany. Flower boxes now look natural against the aged-looking walls.

Front windows cast interesting shadows across the textured surface. The home has gained a sense of permanence and story.

6. Dark Brick to Timeless Style

Before: Nearly black bricks made this home look like a shadow on the block. The dark color hid every architectural detail. Window frames disappeared against the dark background.

The home seemed smaller than its actual size. The all-dark palette felt heavy and oppressive. The brick’s subtle texture was lost in the darkness.

After: A careful German smear application covers about 40% of each brick. The dark undertone still shows through much of the surface. The mortar was applied with a dabbing technique rather than smooth strokes.

This created small, irregular patches of white across the facade. The contrast between light and dark adds dimension to flat walls. Windows now stands out as a welcoming feature.

The partial coverage highlights the quality of the original brickwork. The home feels both modern and classic, with a sense of understated luxury.

7. Overpowering Red to Soft Neutrals

Before: Fire-engine red bricks overwhelmed this home’s exterior. The bold color fought with the roof, trim, and landscaping. The intensity of the red made the house look smaller than its size.

Every other exterior element disappeared against the bright backdrop. The color dated the home to a specific building era. The brick’s smooth texture added to the flat, characterless look.

After: A heavy application of German smear covers nearly 90% of the brick surface. Only small patches of red peek through at strategic points. The mortar was worked deeply into the brick, changing its fundamental character.

The new color is a soft, warm white with hints of gray. Shadows play across the textured surface throughout the day. The front door now serves as the focal point against the neutral background. The home feels bigger, calmer, and more current without looking trendy.

8. Aging Brick to Fresh & Updated

Before: Decades of sun, rain, and pollution had taken their toll on this brick home. The once-red surface had faded to an uneven pink-orange. Dark water stains ran down from windows and roof edges.

Some bricks showed signs of spalling and damage. The mortar had cracked and fallen out in several areas. The home looked tired and forgotten.

After: The German smear technique covered the worst damage while preserving the overall brick structure. About 70% of each brick surface now wears a coat of white mortar.

The application varies, with some areas showing brushstrokes and others a dabbed pattern. Problem areas received multiple coats for better coverage. The finish unifies the formerly uneven coloration.

Clean white trim provides sharp contrast against the textured surface. The home now looks well-cared-for rather than worn-out. The finish brings out architectural details that were lost before.

9. Basic Brick to Fine Estate Look

Before: This large home suffered from builder-grade brick in a flat, one-note red. Despite its size, it lacked presence or character. The brick pattern showed no special details or craftsmanship.

The color neither complemented nor contrasted with the surroundings. The uniform surface made the large walls look like blank red canvases. The home felt new but without distinction.

After: The German smear was applied with varying pressure and thickness across the facade. About 60% of the brick now wears a white finish. Some areas were worked with circular motions to create swirled patterns.

Other sections show straight, purposeful strokes. The mortar was allowed to build up around windows, creating a frame effect. The finish appears naturally aged rather than artificially distressed.

The contrast between red and white adds visual interest to formerly blank walls. The home now commands attention with its unique, seemingly time-earned character.

Maintenance & Longevity of German Smear Brick

• Regular Cleaning: Dust and dirt will collect on any exterior surface over time. Wash your German smear finish with water and a soft brush once a year. Avoid stiff brushes that might scratch the mortar surface.
• Gentle Pressure: Never use high-pressure washing on German smears. The force can chip away the mortar coating. A garden hose with a spray nozzle works best for cleaning.
• Spot Cleaning: For small stains, mix mild soap with water. Apply with a soft cloth and rinse well. Always test cleaning solutions on a small, hidden area first.
• Prevent Plant Contact: Trim bushes and trees away from the wall. Plant roots and moisture can stain or damage the finish over time.
• Check for Cracks: After severe weather, look for small cracks in the mortar. Small cracks can allow water to get behind the finish.
• Remove Mold Early: Green or black spots might appear in shady areas. Clean these with a water and vinegar mix to stop spread.

Conclusion

German smear gives brick homes a fresh look without a full rebuild. With this method, we’ve seen nine examples of homes that changed from plain to eye-catching.

The before and after photos show how much difference white mortar can make on brick surfaces. This technique works well because it lasts for years with minimal care.

The white coating gets better with age, developing character over time. A yearly gentle wash keeps it looking clean.

You can apply German smear yourself with basic tools and some weekend time. For bigger homes or perfect results, hiring help might make sense.

The most important thing to remember is that German smear allows you to update your brick home while keeping its solid structure.

Your home can have that old-world charm that stands out from every other house on the block.