German Smear - Slurry Finish

A Modern, Hand-Crafted Transformation That Redefines Brick Exteriors

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Cream-toned Slurry Finish brick exterior showing refined coverage and depth

A Slurry Finish delivers a clean, contemporary aesthetic while maintaining the warmth and integrity of real brick. This hand-applied mortar technique covers most of the brick face, leaving selective areas intentionally revealed to create soft contrast and depth. The result is a seamless, refined finish that feels both current and enduring — offering the visual sophistication of modern architecture with the authenticity of traditional masonry.

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What is a Slurry Finish & It’s Benefits

The Slurry Finish offers a more modern, smooth, and refined interpretation of the German Smear technique. This style involves a heavier, more uniform mortar application that covers the majority of the brick surface while still allowing select clusters of natural brick to remain visible.

The balance between coated and exposed areas gives the Slurry style a clean, sophisticated look with subtle texture and tonal depth. It’s ideal for homeowners seeking a contemporary finish that still feels grounded in craftsmanship and heritage — blending modern appeal with timeless European character.

Restored brick home featuring modern Slurry Finish with balanced brick visibility
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Key Benefits of a German Smear Slurry Finish:

  1. Durable & Long-Lasting: Mortar-bonded surface that withstands time and weather without peeling or fading.

  2. Modern, Refined Appearance: Smooth coverage with deliberate brick exposure for visual depth.

  3. Breathable Protection: Prevents water penetration while allowing vapor release, preserving the integrity of the masonry.

  4. Customizable Aesthetic: Choose light, medium, or full slurry coverage for tailored design outcomes.

  5. Color-Differentiated Accent Walls: We can create accent walls in contrasting tones by adding UV-resistant mortar pigmentation to the mix — offering personalized, long-lasting color variation that enhances architectural character.

  6. Low Maintenance: Maintains its beauty for decades with minimal upkeep or reapplication.

Pigmented Slurry Finish mortar used for color contrast and custom accent wall design
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Ideal Use Scenarios

The Slurry Finish is perfect for those seeking modern sophistication with subtle, handcrafted character.
It’s ideally suited for:

  1. Full-home exterior transformations where a permanent, masonry-based solution outperforms paint or limewash

  2. Modern farmhouse, transitional, or coastal home designs that pair clean lines with natural texture

  3. Older or discolored brickwork needing rejuvenation with smooth, cohesive coverage

  4. Architectural accent walls that call for color differentiation or texture contrast within the same property

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German Smear Slurry Finish FAQs

  • The Slurry Finish is a sub-style of the German Smear — one of several distinct techniques offered by our company. It features heavier, more uniform coverage and minimal brick exposure, producing a cleaner, more modern aesthetic while retaining the mortar-based authenticity that defines true German Smear craftsmanship.

  • A properly applied slurry finish can last 20–30 years or longer. It bonds directly to the brick, creating a permanent, breathable surface that will not peel or fade like paint.

  • Yes. The level of coverage is fully customizable. Our specialists adjust the trowel technique and mortar blend to achieve your preferred balance between coated and exposed brick areas.

  • Yes. However, some types of brick — especially older or highly porous varieties — require additional preparation steps to ensure proper uniformity and prevent color inconsistency during application.

  • No. Every project is completed by our in-house team under direct company supervision, ensuring unmatched quality and consistent craftsmanship nationwide.

  • Pricing varies by brick condition, coverage preference, and project size. All quotes are fixed, transparent, and backed by our company’s price-lock guarantee — delivering exceptional value and peace of mind.

A Slurry Finish represents the modern evolution of the German Smear — combining architectural precision with timeless masonry artistry. It’s smooth, clean, and enduring, offering a sophisticated finish that complements today’s designs while preserving the character of real brick.

Whether you’re refreshing aged brick or designing a new build, our team delivers a finish that balances beauty, protection, and permanence.

German Smear Slurry Finish; The Modern Day Home Enhancement

We Bring

Your Vision

To Reality

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  • Great work and attention to detail ! Turned out beautifully! Communication was on point ! Thank you

    ABC Restoration

  • Thomas is a consumate professional who takes real pride in his work. Our old farmhouse looks incredible. I would highly recommend him

    Michael P

  • 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 J

  • 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.

    Jennifer S

  • 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

  • Thomas is amazing! We couldn’t be more happy with the work he did with our house. His professionalism, eye for detail, and 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

  • Jessica S

    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.

  • 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

  • I had them do a special white-washing technique on my brick called a German Smear, and they nailed it! I called around 5 different places and they were the only ones who would take the job. They made sure they completed it to my satisfaction and wow.. neighbors are stopping me on the street to tell me they love it! It's impressive and makes my house look so much more modern.

    Jessica S

  • 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

  • Living in NYC I searched many contractors in an effort to locate someone who had experience with the application of the Germen Smear technique for my home residence. Not finding anyone locally, I searched the internet and found Thomas Lorusso of the German Smear Specialists company. Thomas was located in Colorado so I was a bit hesitant to contract with him at first. However, he was very easy to communicate with and made me feel comfortable. I decided to hire him for my project. He flew to NYC and put himself up in an air-b-nb since the project was going to take a few weeks. I had a very specific look in mind for the exterior brick of my home. Thomas was indeed a specialist regarding this technique. His workmanship is amazing and he was a pleasure to collaborate with. He has a superior work ethic, is very professional as well as being neat and clean. Me and my wife couldn't be happier with the look of our home. His unique application completely altered the exterior of our house and transformed it aesthetically. Not only would I highly recommend Thomas but would caution anyone seeking this technique for their home not to use anyone else. So happy we found the right person for such an important project on our home.

    George R

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