German Smear Brick Finishes Across Michigan

Handcrafted brick artistry designed to stand strong through Michigan’s lakeside climate and four distinct seasons.

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Our Company Promise to Michigan Homeowners

At German Smear Specialists, every finish is applied by trained artisans from our in-house team — never subcontractors. We bring precision and craftsmanship to each brick surface, blending regional knowledge with timeless techniques.

Our work across Michigan spans a range of property types — from lakefront cottages in Traverse City to modern homes around Detroit and restored colonial properties in Grand Rapids. Every project receives the same personal care, detailed application, and aesthetic refinement that defines our company.

Your Vision.

Made Reality.

Why Choose German Smear for Your Michigan Home

Michigan’s weather presents a unique challenge: humid summers, freezing winters, and lake-driven winds. German Smear provides a finish that thrives in this environment while protecting and enhancing your home’s natural brickwork.

What Makes It Different:

  • Resilient through seasonal extremes — Formulated to expand and contract with your brick without cracking or flaking.

  • Breathable and moisture-safe — Prevents moisture from being trapped, protecting your brick from Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles.

  • Custom color and tone — Our mortar blends are mixed to match your style, whether traditional or contemporary.

  • Minimal upkeep — Enjoy decades of beauty with only occasional light cleaning.

Our Process from Consultation to Completion

Each Michigan project follows a five-step process to ensure quality, transparency, and artistry.

  1. Consultation and Guaranteed Estimate – We inspect your home, discuss finish goals, and provide a guaranteed quote.

  2. Surface Cleaning and Preparation – Removal of coatings, dirt, and buildup for perfect adhesion.

  3. Sample Creation – On-site sample to confirm color tone and texture under real lighting.

  4. Hand-Applied Finish – Each surface is finished manually by our skilled team for a natural, custom look.

  5. Detailing and Final Walkthrough – We inspect every detail and review the completed project with you to ensure satisfaction.

Distinctive Finish Styles

Slurry Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Updated homes and lakefront cottages seeking clean, cohesive curb appeal.

Heavy Textured Finish

What It Offers

Thickly troweled mortar for deep, sculpted texture and dimension.

Ideal For

Larger homes or properties with strong architectural lines.

Traditional Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Colonial and craftsman-style homes throughout Michigan.

Rustic Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Historic properties and farm-style homes across rural Michigan.

Mortar Wash Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Homes near the Great Lakes that want coastal or cottage-style texture.

Custom Options Featuring Stayntech™

  • Personalized mortar pigments for tonal contrast.

  • Stayntech™ brick staining to adjust your home’s base brick color before German Smear application


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

Service Areas in Michigan

Southeast Michigan

Detroit

Ann Arbor

Dearborn

Livonia

West and Northern Michigan

Grand Rapids

Traverse City

Holland

Central Michigan

Lansing

Flint

Midland

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Authentic Brick Transformations, Handcrafted for Michigan Homes

See how our German Smear finishes have revitalized brick homes across the state — from weathered exteriors to newly built residences with custom mortar design.

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Faqs Section

  • Our mortar finishes are specifically engineered to withstand repeated freeze and thaw cycles, keeping your brick protected from moisture expansion and cracking.

  • German Smear integrates with the brick instead of coating it. It will not peel or flake, and it remains breathable — ideal for Michigan’s humidity and temperature fluctuations.

  • Yes. Each mix is tinted to complement your home’s brick color and surroundings, ensuring a cohesive and personalized appearance.

  • When properly applied, German Smear can last 20 to 30 years or more with virtually no deterioration.

  • Very little. Occasional rinsing or a soft power wash is all that’s required to remove buildup.

  • Pricing is determined by square footage and desired finish. Though more than paint initially, German Smear delivers unmatched longevity and return on investment through low upkeep and lasting visual appeal.

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

A Finish Built for Michigan Homes

Durable. Artistic. Weatherproof.

From Grand Rapids to Detroit, German Smear Specialists bring timeless finishes designed for Michigan’s climate and style. Every job is completed by our in-house team with precision, reliability, and pride in craftsmanship.

Schedule your Michigan consultation today.

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