German Smear Brick Finishes for South Carolina Homes

Handcrafted brick artistry for Lowcountry charm and Southern pride.

Call Now!

True Craftsmanship Across the Palmetto State

At German Smear Specialists, our work reflects the spirit of South Carolina — timeless, welcoming, and built to last. Every project is applied by our in-house team, never subcontractors, ensuring consistent craftsmanship and care.

From Charleston’s coastal estates to Columbia’s historic neighborhoods and Greenville’s modern developments, we bring old-world artistry to the brick homes that define the Palmetto State. Our finishes enhance natural beauty while protecting against South Carolina’s heat, humidity, and coastal air.

Your Vision.

Made Reality.

Why South Carolina Homeowners Love German Smear

South Carolina’s unique mix of sea air, moisture, and bright sunshine calls for a finish that can handle it all. Our German Smear system breathes with your brick, ensuring long-lasting protection and beauty no matter the weather.

The South Carolina Advantage:

  • Humidity resistant – Mortar stays breathable and prevents trapped moisture common along the coast.

  • UV protected – Custom pigments resist fading from strong southern sunlight.

  • Long-lasting durability – Withstands coastal salt, humidity, and inland storms for 20 to 30 years or more.

  • Low maintenance – Only an occasional rinse or power wash keeps your finish looking fresh.

  • Custom tones and styles – Each mix complements the traditional red, brown, and sand-colored brick often seen throughout the Carolinas.

Our Signature Application Process

  1. Consultation and Quote – We review your home’s structure and provide a guaranteed estimate.

  1. Preparation and Cleaning – Brick surfaces are cleaned and prepped for optimal adhesion.

  2. Live Sample Mockup – You preview the tone, texture, and coverage in real lighting before full application.

  3. Handcrafted German Smear Application – Each layer is applied by our skilled artisans using old-world techniques.

  4. Detailing and Final Walkthrough – Once complete, we detail every surface and walk you through the finish to ensure full satisfaction.

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 homes and coastal builds across Hilton Head and Charleston.

Heavy Textured Finish

What It Offers

Thickly troweled mortar for deep, sculpted texture and dimension.

Ideal For

Custom homes, lake houses, and luxury estates.

Traditional Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Colonial, craftsman, and historic Charleston-style homes.

Rustic Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Historic districts and countryside properties throughout the Carolinas.

Mortar Wash Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Coastal cottages or Lowcountry-inspired homes.

Custom Options Featuring Stayntech™

  • Mortar pigment blending for unique contrast and tone depth.

  • Stayntech™ brick staining to shift base color before or during the German Smear application. Stayntech™

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

Where We Work in South Carolina

Charleston

Hilton Head

Beaufort

Myrtle Beach

Lowcountry and Coastal Region

Upstate South Carolina

Greenville

Spartanburg

Anderson

Midlands Region

Columbia

Sumter

Orangeburg

Call Now!
 

South Carolina Brick Homes Reimagined

Explore stunning transformations from Charleston’s classic mansions to Greenville’s suburban homes. Each project showcases the character, tone, and craftsmanship of our German Smear artistry.

Call Now!

Faqs Section

  • Our mortar blends are breathable and resist moisture buildup, ensuring no trapped water or flaking even in humid coastal areas.

  • No. We use UV-stable pigments that maintain consistent tone under sunlight and heat year-round.

  • Absolutely. We tint our mortar to complement your roof, trim, and brick tone for a seamless, natural look.

  • Properly applied finishes last 20 to 30 years or more with minimal upkeep.

  • No. Paint must be completely removed through sandblasting or stripping to ensure the mortar adheres properly.

  • Each project is measured and evaluated individually. While German Smear costs more than paint initially, it provides unmatched longevity, low maintenance, and value for decades — a true investment in your home’s beauty and protection.

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

Crafted for the Carolinas. Made to Endure.

From Charleston’s coastlines to Greenville’s foothills, German Smear Specialists bring artisan masonry and old-world craftsmanship to every South Carolina home.

We build lasting finishes that celebrate the state’s beauty, charm, and southern pride.

Schedule your consultation today

Call Now!