German Smear Brick Finishes in Maryland

German Smear Brick Finishes in Maryland

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About German Smear Specialists

At German Smear Specialists, every project is performed by skilled artisans dedicated exclusively to the craft of German Smear.

We never use subcontractors — every Maryland project is personally led by our owner, Thomas, who works on-site with his trained crew to ensure precision, consistency, and lasting beauty.

Our custom mortar blends and finishing techniques are designed to suit Maryland’s diverse home styles — from historic Baltimore row homes to modern Annapolis cottages and suburban properties throughout the state.

Your Vision.

Made Reality.

Why Maryland Homeowners Choose German Smear

Maryland’s climate demands a finish that breathes, adapts, and protects against coastal humidity and seasonal changes. Our German Smear finish offers lasting performance and visual depth that paint and limewash simply can’t match:

  • Breathable Protection: Prevents trapped moisture and allows natural expansion and contraction of brick.

  • UV and Salt Resistance: Designed to hold up to coastal salt air and summer sun without fading.

  • Long-Term Durability: Outperforms paint and coatings that peel or flake within a few years.

  • Architectural Compatibility: Perfect for Maryland’s historic, colonial, and waterfront homes.

  • Minimal Upkeep: Decades of performance with only light cleaning as needed.

Our Refined Process

Consultation & Price-Lock Estimate

We evaluate your home’s brick surface, style, and exposure to Maryland’s climate. Our Chief Estimator, Hayden, personally reviews every quote before it’s finalized to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Surface Cleaning & Preparation

All coatings, sealants, and debris are carefully removed to create a clean, natural surface for optimal mortar adhesion.

Live Sample Creation

A test section is prepared directly on your home so you can see the selected color and texture under natural Maryland light before full application begins.

Artisan Application of German Smear

Thomas and his trained team hand-apply your chosen finish using refined techniques that balance artistry with long-term durability.

Detailing, Post-Job Cleaning & Final Walkthrough

Your property is cleaned and detailed before a final walkthrough with Thomas to ensure the finish meets every expectation.

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

Renovated or coastal homes.

Heavy Textured Finish

What It Offers

Thickly troweled mortar for deep, sculpted texture and dimension.

Ideal For

Custom facades or homeowners seeking strong visual texture.

Traditional Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Colonial and Federal-style Maryland homes.

Rustic Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Farmhouse and countryside properties.

Mortar Wash Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Chesapeake cottages and historic neighborhoods.

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.)

Regions We Service in Maryland

Baltimore

Columbia

Annapolis

Ellicott City

Central Maryland

Southern and Eastern Shore

Waldorf

La Plata

St. Mary’s County

Ocean City

Western Maryland

Frederick

Hagerstown

Westminster

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Project Showcases

Explore stunning transformations possible for Maryland homes — from coastal cottages to historic city properties — finished with precision and character.

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Questions Commonly Asked From Homeowners in Maryland

  • Our breathable mortar finish is engineered for Maryland’s weather conditions, from humid summers to coastal salt air. It prevents moisture buildup and ensures long-term structural protection.

  • Painted or sealed brick must be stripped to allow proper bonding of our mortar finish. Once prepped, the German Smear adheres directly to the brick for a durable, lasting result.

  • Each project is custom measured and reviewed. German Smear costs more than paint but lasts decades longer, providing greater long-term value for Maryland homeowners.

  • Every project is led by our owner, Thomas, a master artisan and German Smear specialist. He personally oversees each Maryland project on-site with a crew he has personally trained to maintain consistent quality.

  • All estimates are completed remotely using precision measurement software. Chief Estimator Hayden verifies each quote, and all Maryland projects include a price-lock guarantee for accuracy.

  • Stayntech™ is a professional-grade brick staining product line that we are trained and certified to apply. It allows us to adjust the base color of your brick prior to German Smear application, enhancing tone depth and curb appeal. Stayntech products carry a 15-year manufacturer warranty for lasting color integrity and performance.

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 – Proudly Serving Maryland Brick Homes

From the historic homes of Annapolis to the waterfront facades of the Chesapeake Bay, we bring timeless artistry and durable craftsmanship to every brick surface we restore.
Request your Maryland consultation today to experience the precision and beauty of true German Smear application.

Request Your Maryland Estimate

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