German Smear Brick Refinishing Across North Carolina

Custom brick artistry crafted to perform through North Carolina’s coastal moisture, mountain winters, and year-round sun exposure

Call Now!

About Us

At German Smear Specialists, craftsmanship is personal. We never use subcontractors — every project is completed by our in-house team, led directly by the owner himself. From start to finish, each home receives hands-on attention and custom detailing.
We offer unique color palettes, mortar blends, and finish textures tailored for every architectural style across North Carolina — from timeless brick estates in Raleigh and Charlotte to coastal cottages near Wilmington. Every project reflects our belief in precision, durability, and artisan quality.

Made Reality.

Your Vision.

Why North Carolina Homeowners Choose German Smear

North Carolina’s mix of climates — humid along the coast, moderate in the Piedmont, and variable in the Appalachian region — calls for a finish that can adapt.
German Smear is a perfect fit because it delivers:

  • Exceptional Moisture Control – Breathable mortar protects brick without trapping humidity, ideal for the Carolinas’ damp seasons

    .

  • UV Stability & Color Retention – Formulated with UV-stable pigments to resist fading under summer heat.

  • Durability Against Seasonal Swings – Stands strong through freeze-thaw cycles in the mountains and salt air along the coast.

  • Custom Aesthetic Control – Multiple coverage levels, from heavy texture to soft tonal veiling, enhance every home’s individuality.

  • Minimal Maintenance – No peeling, blistering, or repainting required; just light upkeep for decades of performance.

Our Process

The Process We Use To Create Your Crafted Finish

  1. 1. Consultation & Guaranteed Quote

  2. We evaluate your home’s brick condition and provide a guaranteed price. Clear, fair, and accurate.

  3. 2. Surface Cleaning & Detailed Preparation

  4. Our prep process removes coatings, contaminants, and biological buildup to ensure adhesion and finish integrity.

  5. 3. Sample Mockups & Color Trials

  6. You’ll see live, on-site samples before full application, so you can visualize the end result in natural lighting.

  7. 4. Artisan Application of German Smear

    Our craftsmen hand-trowel and blend the finish, shaping texture and tonal balance unique to your project.

  1. 5. Final Cleaning & Client Walkthrough

All work areas and landscaping are cleaned, windows polished, and a full review conducted before sign-off.

Our Base Styles Offered to Homeowners and Bussinesses Throughout North Carolina

Slurry Finish

What It Offers

Covers most of the brick face for a unified, clean look with gentle tonal variations.

Ideal For

Contemporary or newly renovated homes seeking modern balance.

Heavy Textured Finish

What It Offers

Thickly troweled mortar for deep, sculpted texture and dimension.

Ideal For

Homes desiring a bold, handcrafted surface feel.

Traditional Finish

What It Offers

Highlights the brick’s natural beauty while softening joints with lapping mortar trails.

Ideal For

Classic and colonial homes across the Carolinas.

Rustic Finish

What It Offers

Uneven coverage for an authentic, weathered look reminiscent of European countryside masonry.

Ideal For

Farmhouses, cottages, and historic properties.

Mortar Wash Finish

What It Offers

Thinly veils the brick for translucent hues and a weathered, coastal vibe.

Ideal For

Coastal or cottage-style properties.

Custom Options Featuring Stayntech™

  • Mortar color accents for tonal contrast

  • Brick staining via Stayntech™ to shift base color before and/or during German Smear application


  • (Stayntech™ includes a 15-year warranty and numerous color options to choose from.)

Communities and Regions We Transform in North Carolina

We bring German Smear craftsmanship statewide. Below are key regions and major cities we serve.

Asheville

Boone

Hendersonville

Morganton

Western North Carolina

Wilmington

New Bern

Jacksonville

Fayetteville

Greenville

Eastern / Coastal North Carolina

Charlotte

Greensboro

High Point

Winston-Salem

Raleigh

Central North Carolina

Call Now!
 

North Carolina German Smear Showcase

Explore transformations from mountain retreats to coastal residences — proof of how texture, tone, and craftsmanship redefine brick homes statewide.

Call Now!

Faqs Section

  • Unlike paint or limewash, German Smear penetrates and bonds to the brick, forming a breathable surface that won’t peel, crack, or bubble in humidity or cold. It’s engineered for long-term performance in both coastal and inland environments.

  • Yes. Our UV-stable pigments retain their tone even under direct exposure. Unlike coatings, German Smear maintains color without bleaching or powdering.

  • When properly installed, expect 20–30+ years of performance, even in regions with humidity, frost, or salt air.

  • Little to none — we recommend a gentle power washing once a year or every other year with mild, mildewcide-safe cleaner to keep the surface bright.

  • No. Paint must be removed through sandblasting or other approved methods before application to ensure full adhesion.

  • German Smear is more expensive than paint or whitewash upfront, but far less costly in the long run due to its longevity, stability, and near-zero maintenance requirements.

Testimonials

  • We did our home in traditional lime mortar smear. There was nobody in our area that had the ability to do this. I knew the dangers of painted brick and the benefits of lime mortar, so I asked Thomas to come to KY to do our home. Considering the travel, the time and expertise this took, I could not be happier. The people were knowledgeable, professional and great conversation. My only regret is that I was not able to spend more time watching the process myself. It completely transformed our home and the wife is ecstatic! I could not recommend them more. They cleaned up the area as they went and went above and beyond with repairing a cracked chimney cap they found along the way without extra charge. I truly could not be happier. If you read this Thomas, thank you for being you.

    Chris M

  • Thomas was great! Very professional and kind. He walked us through the process and expectations and was a great communicator. We loved our home and thought he left the place clean and tidy. Lovely working with him!

    Alyn B

  • This is one wonderful craftsman and company. I received an estimate within 24 hours and signed on. Thomas showed up when promised and finished the job a few days early. He was respectful of my schedule and preferences. The house is completely transformed and is beautiful! A winner!

    Julie L

  • Thomas’s work is 1st class. Truly is a master in his field and I am so grateful to have met him. When you want workmanship of the highest quality, he really is the one at the top. Transforming nice houses to magazine-worthy dream homes.

    Keith F

  • I don't know how to put into words what Thomas and Jerry did for me and my house! It's better than any Pinterest idea I had, any thought I dreamed up or any search I did online! Not only did they make what I was dreaming of come to life, but they listened to me. Really listened to me! I have had other contractors in the past try and talk me out of what I was envisioning and try and change my vision. Thomas listened to me and asked me questions that dug into what it was that I was thinking. He gave me options, let me see test patches, offered his advice with grace and then got to work! Not only were they more than professional, they were so kind to my kids and my dog!! I had no worries about them working in and around my home but in addition, I needed to leave for a bit and felt safe enough to leave them in my home to work on my fireplace while I wasn't there. They were clean and picked up everything like they were never even there! I can't thank them enough for everything they did and for the friendship that was created! I recommend them with the upmost confidence that you will love them and their work as much as my family has!

    Jenny M

  • work is impeccable. We have a 3000 sq ft, two story home, and he took a vision of smear work on a fireplace I found…and brought it to life! You won’t be disappointed with the work Thomas does, and we can’t be more happy with the work he did. I would highly recommend him!

    Brady E

  • I’m an interior designer and found German Smear Specialists when my homeowners asked me to change their fireplace but I couldn’t tile, paint or drywall over the brick. I was so happy to find Thomas. He is professional, timely and very talented. He worked closely with the homeowners to find the exact right amount of smear to make them happy. The fireplace looks fantastic and the homeowners couldn’t be happier! Highly recommend German Smear Specialists.

    Jessica S

  • My initial research into german smear proved it to be a highly skilled technique, particularly for large exterior projects. I feel very fortunate to have found the German Smear Specials! From the start of contact to finish of the job everything was on point. Passionate about what they do. Experts of the technique. Conscientious. GSS started with offering samples that would fit my vision and during the entire project made sure I was happy with the ongoing work. The work itself is high quality. Every step in the process was completed with a note to details (even cleanup). The result speaks for itself. Thank you!

    Brittany K

  • We did a lot of research to find someone to German Schmear the brick on our house, and when we met with Thomas, it was a no-brainer. He clearly knew what he was talking about and gave us the confidence that he was the right person for our job. He did an outstanding job on the German Schmear, and he brought creativity that added elements to really make our house unique and stand out. He's an artist and uses an artist's approach to German Schmear.

    Brian G

German Smear Specialists bring artisan detail and structural expertise to every North Carolina project. From Raleigh to Wilmington, every finish is hand-applied by our own team ensuring the durability, beauty, and texture that define true craftsmanship.

Crafted for Carolina Homes — Built to Endure Generations

Schedule Your North Carolina Consultation Today

Call Now!