German Smear Brick Finishes in Ohio

Hand-applied artisan brick textures built for Ohio’s seasons, from lake effects to urban suburbs

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About Us

At German Smear Specialists, we bring artisan craftsmanship to every brick home — and we never subcontract. Each Ohio project is overseen and applied by the owner’s in-house team.

We specialize in custom mortar blends, color accents, and style variation tailored for Ohio’s architecture — whether you’re restoring a historic Cincinnati townhouse, a Columbus suburb brick home, or a Cleveland lake-side residence.

Made Reality.

Your Vision.

Why Ohio Homeowners Choose German Smear

Ohio’s mix of weather including harsh winters, lake-effect snow, humid summers, and freeze/thaw cycles demands a brick finish that outperforms.

Our German Smear finish delivers:

Breathable protection — Mortar-based finish that allows brick to expand/contract without trapping moisture.

Durable texture & color — Formulated for freeze and thaw, without the cracking and peeling common in paints or coatings.

Architectural compatibility — Many Ohio homes reflect brick legacy (e.g., buff/yellow brick in Cincinnati) our finishes preserve character while upgrading performance.

Low-maintenance value — A finish built to last decades with minimal upkeep, unlike whitewash or traditional paint.

Our Process

The Process We Use To Create A Finish Tailored For You

Consultation & Guaranteed Quote — We assess your brick condition, architectural style, and regional climate impact, then provide a guaranteed price.

Surface Cleaning & Prep — Removal of coatings, contaminants, and weather-related buildup to ensure optimal adhesion.

Live Sample Mockup — On-site sample to preview mortar color, texture, and finish under actual lighting conditions.

Artisan Application of German Smear — Our skilled craftsmen apply the selected finish style by hand, tailored to your home’s aesthetic and performance needs.

Detailing, Post Job Cleaning & Final Walk-Through — We clean the job site, detail the facade, and walk you through the finish to ensure satisfaction and longevity.

German Smear Base Styles Offered To Ohio Residents

Slurry Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Contemporary or newly renovated homes seeking modern balance.

Heavy Textured Finish

What It Offers

Thickly troweled mortar for deep, sculpted texture and dimension.

Ideal For

Homes desiring a bold, handcrafted surface feel.

Traditional Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Classic and colonial homes across Ohio.

Rustic Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Farmhouses, cottages, and historic properties.

Mortar Wash Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Coastal or cottage-style properties.

Custom Options Featuring Stayntech™

  • Mortar color accents for personalized contrast or tone shift.

  • Stayntech™ brick staining to adjust the base brick color before or in concert with German Smear application


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

Communities and Regions We Service in Ohio

We bring German Smear craftsmanship statewide. Below are key regions and major cities we serve.

Cleveland

Akron

Columbus

Dublin

Worthington

Northern & Central Ohio

Toledo

Sandusky

Findlay

Western & Lakeshore Ohio

Cincinnati

Dayton

Middletown

Southwest Ohio

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Ohio German Smear Project Showcase

View transformations from historic homes through modern suburban facades across Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and beyond.

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Faqs Section

  • Unlike coatings that form a film and can peel or crack under Ohio’s freeze/thaw cycles and humidity, German Smear is a mortar-based finish that bonds with the brick and remains breathable — so moisture escapes rather than becoming trapped.

  • Yes. Our formulations use UV-stable pigments and compensatory mixtures designed for Ohio’s varied climate — summer heat, lake reflections, winter snow, and recurring freeze-thaw.

  • When properly applied and maintained, expect a lifespan of 20–30+ years, even under Ohio’s demanding weather conditions.

  • Very little. Typically a gentle rinse or power-wash every year or two, combined with visual inspection — far less than traditional coatings.

  • No. If the brick is painted or sealed, the coating must be removed (sandblasted or stripped) to ensure proper bonding of our mortar finish.

  • Each job is measured and evaluated for precise pricing. German Smear costs more upfront than paint or whitewash, but delivers significantly better durability and minimal maintenance — making it a longer-term, higher-return investment for Ohio homeowners.

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

From Cleveland to Cincinnati, German Smear Specialists bring artisan brick finishes tailored to Ohio’s unique architecture and climate. Every project is personally managed, never subcontracted, and completed with precision craftsmanship and premium materials. If you’re seeking a durable, high-end finish for your brick home — let’s schedule your Ohio consultation today.

Built for Ohio Homes — Engineered to Last

Schedule Your Ohio Estimate

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