Authentic German Smear Specialists In Tennessee

Elevating Tennessee homes with texture, character, and lasting detail

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About Us

Tennessee’s brick homes—from the historic neighborhoods of Nashville to the rolling foothills near Knoxville and the riverfront districts in Memphis—deserve finishes that look beautiful and endure local weather. At German Smear Specialists, we deliver artisan brick finishes crafted for Tennessee’s climate: hot, humid summers, variable winters, and occasional storms. Wherever you are across the Volunteer State, our team brings skilled masonry art to your home. Each project blends custom color, texture, and structural finish to amplify your home’s character, whether your style leans traditional, craftsman, or modern.

Made Reality.

Your Vision.

Why Homeowners in Tennessee Are Choosing German Smear

Tennessee’s climate includes high summer humidity, periodic heavy rainfall, and fluctuating winter temps in inland areas. Brick is common and enduring here, and German Smear enhances it by:

  • Moisture Control & Breathability: Our finish lets brick breathe, minimizing trapped moisture in rainy seasons and avoiding harmful freeze thaw cycles in the harsh winters.

  • UV & Heat Tolerance: We use pigments and mixes designed to hold up under Tennessee sun.

  • Architectural Harmony: Tennessee homes often reflect Colonial, Craftsman, Historic, or Revival styles. Our finishes can complement brick tones ranging from red clay to soft earth hues.

  • Longevity + Low Upkeep: German Smear adds texture and protection without frequent repainting or repairs — especially appealing in areas like Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis, and the surrounding counties.

Our Process

Our Process for German Smear in Tennessee

  1. 1. Consult & Surface Evaluation – Assess existing brick condition, mortar health, and homeowner design goals.

  2. 2. Deep Cleaning & Preparation – Remove efflorescence, mildew, old coatings, and debris to ensure bonding.

  3. 3. Apply Selected Finish – Hand-apply the mortar style you choose with blends optimized for Tennessee’s humidity and temperature swings.

  4. 4. Detailing & Post-Job Cleanup – Refine joints, remove overflows, clean adjacent surfaces and windows for a polished result.

  5. 5. Final Walkthrough & Optional Sealant – Walk through the completed work, make adjustments, and optionally add a breathable seal for extra weather resistance..

Brick Finish Styles Offered for Homes and Businesses in Tennessee

Slurry Finish

A refined, modern finish where up to 90% of the brick face is covered with a smooth, continuous mortar layer. All joints are filled, creating a cohesive, contemporary surface with soft aging tones. Ideal for homeowners who want a solid, elegant transformation without losing the character of brick.

Heavy Textured Finish

A bold, artisan-level finish combining the depth of traditional German Smear with the dimensional richness of Venetian plaster. Many bricks remain visible, but overfilled joints and troweled mortar lines create a deeply textured surface. Each finish is hand-curated by our craftsmen for a unique, sculpted appearance.

Traditional Finish

A timeless German Smear style that leaves much of the original brick exposed while filling in mortar joints. Trails of mortar gently overlap brick faces, adding depth and soft contrast. The result is a balanced, handcrafted look that highlights the natural charm of your brick.

Rustic Finish

This finish delivers an old-world European aesthetic. All joints are filled, but the degree of brick exposure varies throughout the surface — intentionally uneven for an organic, timeworn look. The variation creates movement and warmth, giving the home an authentic, lived-in feel.

Mortar Wash Finish

A full-coverage finish that completely coats the brick surface. Depending on technique, it can appear as a thick, stucco-like texture or as a light veil that allows subtle brick tones to show through. This creates depth, transparency, and natural color variation — giving the home a soft, whitewashed appearance with rich tonal contrast.

Custom Enhancements:

  • Mortar accent colors for nuanced contrast

  • Brick staining via Stayntech™ to change the base brick tone before the finish

Proudly Serving Tennessee & Nearby Communities

We serve homeowners across Middle, East, and West Tennessee with handcrafted German Smear finishes.

Middle Tennessee

Nashville

Franklin

Brentwood

Hendersonville

Gallatin

Smyrna

Murfreesboro

Lebanon

Spring Hill

West Tennessee

Memphis

Germantown

Collierville

Bartlett

Cordova

Jackson

East Tennessee

Knoxville

Farragut

Maryville

Oak Ridge

Chattanooga

Cleveland

Johnson City

Kingsport

Bristol

Cookeville

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Portfolio of completed Homes in Tennessee

Take a look at real examples from across Tennessee—from historic homes in Nashville to homes near the Smoky Mountains, from riverside homes in Memphis to scenic neighborhoods in Knoxville. Each shows how texture, color, and form work together in the Volunteer State.

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Faqs Section

  • Yes. Our regional mortar blends and application methods account for high humidity and storm exposure. The breathable finish helps prevent blistering or moisture traps.

  • We use UV-stable pigments and custom formulas to maintain consistent tone even under strong sun in summer months. As opposed to paint or other finishes, German Smear will not fade away from UV sun exposure.

  • Very little. The occasional rinsing and inspection are typically all that’s needed.

  • Yes, with appropriate prep. We test and remove prior coatings to ensure adhesion and durability.

  • With proper application, you can expect 20–30+ years of performance.

  • Every project is measured and reviewed to offer accurate pricing. Because finishes are hand-applied and optimized for Tennessee climate, the cost is typically higher than painting. But the durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic investment deliver strong long-term value. Prices vary based on surface condition, square footage, and chosen style, but most Tennessee projects fall in a premium artisan bracket.

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

At German Smear Specialists, we combine national expertise with a deep understanding of Tennessee’s climate and architecture. From Nashville to Knoxville, from Memphis to Chattanooga. our finishes are made to last and crafted to impress.

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