German Smear Brick Finishes for New Jersey Homes

Timeless craftsmanship designed for the Garden State’s coastal weather and historic charm.

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New Jersey Architecture, Meets Brick Artistry

At German Smear Specialists, we transform brick homes across New Jersey with artisan craftsmanship rooted in precision and durability. Every finish is applied by our in-house team — never subcontractors — ensuring consistency and long-lasting results.

From Princeton’s historic colonials to Jersey Shore cottages and modern Bergen County homes, our custom mortar blends enhance brick surfaces while offering unmatched weather resistance. We specialize in finishes that handle the salt air, cold winters, and humid summers that define New Jersey’s climate.

Your Vision.

Made Reality.

Why New Jersey Homeowners Choose German Smear

Brick homes in New Jersey experience a little of everything — ocean winds, freezing temperatures, summer humidity, and coastal salt. German Smear is the ideal finish for these changing conditions because it’s durable, breathable, and maintenance-light.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Weather Protection: Our mortar finish allows the brick to breathe while shielding against moisture intrusion and cracking.

  • Color Stability: UV-stable pigments maintain tone and richness through long summers and coastal light.

  • Structural Strength: Resistant to flaking, blistering, or peeling, even under salt air or snow.

  • Low Maintenance: Requires only occasional rinsing or light power washing to stay beautiful year-round.

  • Custom Finishes: Each formula is handcrafted to complement local architectural colors and materials — from colonial red brick to coastal sand tones.

Our Process: Built for Reliability and Beauty

  1. Consultation and Detailed Estimate – We evaluate your home’s structure, brick condition, and regional climate factors before providing a guaranteed price.

  1. Preparation and Surface Cleaning – Old coatings, dirt, and buildup are removed to ensure solid adhesion.

  2. Sample Creation – On-site samples show how your chosen finish looks in New Jersey’s natural light before application begins.

  3. German Smear Application – Our skilled craftsmen apply each coat by hand for even coverage and artisan texture.

  4. Final Detailing and Walkthrough – After cleanup, we inspect every inch of your home with you to guarantee satisfaction and perfection.

Brick 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 suburban homes or coastal residences along the Shore.

Heavy Textured Finish

What It Offers

Thickly troweled mortar for deep, sculpted texture and dimension.

Ideal For

Custom homes or designs that highlight craftsmanship.

Traditional Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Colonial, Federal, or mid-century brick homes found throughout the state.

Rustic Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Farmhouses and historic properties in Princeton or Morris County.

Mortar Wash Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Shoreline and cottage-style homes near Cape May and Ocean City.

Custom Options Featuring Stayntech™

  • Personalized mortar pigment blending for tone harmony.

  • Stayntech™ brick staining to shift base colors prior to or during application.

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

Where We Work in New Jersey

Northern New Jersey

Bergen County

Passaic

Morris County

Essex County

Northern New Jersey

Southern and Coastal New Jersey

Ocean City

Cape May

Atlantic City

Cherry Hill

Central New Jersey

Princeton

Somerset

New Brunswick

Edison

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New Jersey Brick Homes Reimagined

See how we’ve restored and elevated New Jersey’s finest homes — from historic brick townhouses to coastal retreats. Each project is a testament to craftsmanship, climate resistance, and timeless appeal.

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Common Questions from New Jersey Homeowners

  • Our specialized mortar blends breathe with your brick, allowing expansion and contraction without cracking perfect for the state’s wide range of temperatures.

  • No. We use UV-stable pigments that maintain their tone through bright summers and salt exposure near the coast.

  • Yes, but painted brick must be fully stripped before application to ensure proper adhesion and long-term performance.

  • Properly applied German Smear finishes typically last 20 to 30 years or longer, with very little upkeep required.

  • A light rinse or gentle power wash every couple of years keeps the surface fresh and bright — much less than paint or limewash.

  • Pricing varies depending on square footage and brick condition. Though the initial investment is higher than painting, the longevity, beauty, and maintenance savings make it far more cost-effective in the long run.

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 as Strong as the Garden State

From Princeton’s stately homes to the coastal cottages of Cape May, German Smear Specialists deliver artistry that stands up to every season. Our finishes honor New Jersey’s architecture and weather, giving your home both strength and style that lasts for decades.

Schedule your New Jersey consultation today

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