German Smear Brick Finishes for Kentucky Homes

Hand-applied artistry that stands up to the Bluegrass climate and southern tradition.

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Craftsmanship Rooted in Southern Pride

At German Smear Specialists, we bring a level of craftsmanship that reflects the spirit of Kentucky — warm, enduring, and refined. Our team performs every project in-house with no subcontractors, ensuring consistent quality and attention to detail from start to finish.

From Lexington’s historic estates to Louisville’s classic neighborhoods and Bowling Green’s modern builds, our finishes are engineered to handle Kentucky’s humidity, rainfall, and seasonal changes while preserving the natural beauty of brick.

Your Vision.

Made Reality.

Why Kentucky Homeowners Trust German Smear

Kentucky’s weather can shift quickly — from wet winters and humid summers to bright sunny days. Brick finishes here need to breathe, flex, and last.

What Makes German Smear Perfect for the Bluegrass State:

  • Moisture protection – Breathable mortar keeps walls dry through heavy rains and humidity.

  • Durable strength – Resists cracking, chipping, or peeling, unlike paint or surface coatings.

  • UV color stability – Pigments remain true even under strong summer sunlight.

  • Low maintenance – No need for frequent repainting or sealing.

  • Architectural harmony – Works beautifully with the colonial, ranch, and Federal-style homes found throughout Kentucky.

Our Five-Step Process for Every Home

Consultation and Guaranteed Quote – A full evaluation of your brick type, structure, and style to provide a precise price.

Surface Cleaning and Preparation – Removal of coatings and buildup to ensure proper adhesion.

On-Site Sample Creation – A live test area lets you preview tone, texture, and finish before full application.

Artisan Application – Hand-applied German Smear using regional formulations suited to Kentucky’s climate.

Detailing and Final Walkthrough – Once complete, we inspect every surface and ensure your satisfaction.

Our Signature Brick Finishes

Slurry Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Contemporary homes and restorations in urban and suburban Kentucky neighborhoods.

Heavy Textured Finish

What It Offers

Thickly troweled mortar for deep, sculpted texture and dimension.

Ideal For

Contemporary homes and restorations in urban and suburban Kentucky neighborhoods.

Traditional Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Federal and Colonial homes throughout Kentucky’s Bluegrass region.

Rustic Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Farmhouses and older homes throughout rural Kentucky.

Mortar Wash Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Cottage and ranch-style homes in central and western Kentucky.

Custom Options Featuring Stayntech™

  • Personalized mortar colors for tone contrast.

  • Stayntech™ brick staining to alter base color before or during application.

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

Areas We Bring Our Artistry In Kentucky

Lexington

Frankfort

Georgetown

Central Kentucky

Northern and Greater Louisville Region

Louisville

Elizabethtown

Shelbyville

Western Kentucky

Bowling Green

Owensboro

Paducah

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Bluegrass Brick Homes, Enhanced

Explore real transformations from historic southern homes to modern exteriors — showcasing how German Smear enhances character and provides protection that lasts for generations.

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Common Questions from Homeowners in Kentucky

  • Our breathable mortar finish adapts naturally to Kentucky’s seasonal changes. It allows moisture to escape while expanding and contracting with the brick, preventing cracks or peeling year after year.

  • Yes. The German Smear finish forms a durable, vapor-permeable layer that resists moisture intrusion but still allows your brick to “breathe.” It’s ideal for humid climates and frequent rainfall.

  • Paint will sit on the surface and eventually peel or fade. German Smear bonds directly with the brick, creating a natural, long-lasting finish that never traps moisture or chips away.

  • Properly installed finishes can last 20 to 30 years or more, even through the state’s humid summers and cold winters, with very minimal upkeep.

  • Absolutely. We custom blend mortar tones and finishes to fit your home’s roof, trim, and existing materials, ensuring a seamless and natural appearance.

  • Every project is individually measured and reviewed. While German Smear costs more upfront than paint, it’s far more durable and long-lasting — saving Kentucky homeowners from repeated repainting and costly maintenance over time.

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

Built for the Bluegrass. Crafted to Last.

From Louisville to Lexington, German Smear Specialists bring unmatched expertise, passion, and craftsmanship to every project. Our hand-applied finishes honor Kentucky’s brick heritage while preparing homes for decades of beauty and durability.

Schedule your Kentucky consultation today

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