German Smear Brick Restoration and Finishes Across Virginia

Handcrafted finishes that blend timeless craftsmanship with long-lasting protection for Virginia brick homes.

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About Our Team

At German Smear Specialists, we are artisans first and contractors second. Our owner-led team completes every project in-house — no subcontractors, ever. We bring precision, pride, and creative skill to every Virginia property, whether it’s a historic Richmond townhouse, a new build in Fairfax, or a coastal residence near Virginia Beach.

Each mortar blend is custom-formulated to complement the color and age of your brick, providing a finish that enhances your home’s architecture and protects it for decades.

Made Reality.

Your Vision.

Why Virginia Homeowners Choose German Smear

From ocean humidity to Appalachian cold snaps, Virginia homes experience a full range of environmental pressures. Traditional paints and coatings break down quickly in these conditions, while our breathable mortar system provides unmatched durability and visual appeal.

Key Advantages:

  • Moisture protection without trapping water – The mortar surface allows vapor to escape naturally, preventing damage behind the brick.

  • Built for temperature variation – Engineered to withstand the full Virginia climate spectrum, from coastal warmth to mountain frost.

  • Colorfast and UV resistant – Pigments remain consistent even after years of sun exposure.

  • Architectural harmony – Perfect for colonial, farmhouse, or modern designs throughout the state.

  • Minimal upkeep – Requires only occasional rinsing or gentle power washing to keep looking new.

Our Proven Application Process

  1. Consultation and Custom Estimate – We review your home’s brick structure and style to develop a clear scope and accurate quote.

  1. Surface Cleaning and Preparation – Paint, sealers, or residue are completely removed to ensure full adhesion of our mortar finish.

  2. Live Sample Testing – We create an on-site test area so you can visualize the texture, color, and finish before full application.

  3. Hand Application of German Smear – Our craftsmen trowel and shape the mortar by hand for a natural, one-of-a-kind finish.

  4. Detailing and Walkthrough – The project concludes with detailed cleaning and a full customer review to ensure complete 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 suburban or contemporary homes across northern and eastern Virginia.

Heavy Textured Finish

What It Offers

Thickly troweled mortar for deep, sculpted texture and dimension.

Ideal For

Custom homes and statement exteriors needing dramatic dimension.

Traditional Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Colonial or classic homes throughout Virginia.

Rustic Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Farmhouse and historic properties looking for organic charm.

Mortar Wash Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Coastal homes or light-colored exteriors near Virginia Beach and the Tidewater region.

Custom Options Featuring Stayntech™

  • Optional mortar color customization for contrast or tonal variety.

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


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

Communities and Regions We Provide Our Distinct Finishes to in Virginia

Northern Virginia and D.C. Metro

Fairfax

Arlington

Alexandria

Leesburg

Coastal and Southern Virginia

Virginia Beach

Norfolk

Williamsburg

Newport News

Central Virginia

Richmond

Charlottesville

Fredericksburg

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Virginia German Smear Projects and Transformations

Browse our completed projects across Virginia — from historic downtown homes to contemporary coastal builds. Each finish is hand-applied, climate-adapted, and designed to last for decades.

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Faqs Section

  • Yes. Our mortar is designed to resist high moisture and salt exposure common near the coast, without peeling or blistering like paint or limewash.

  • Absolutely. It’s ideal for aged or soft-fired brick and enhances the texture while preserving historical integrity.

  • Yes. We create custom mortar blends and pigments to complement or contrast your brick’s color tone and architectural design.

  • Maintenance is minimal. Light rinsing or a soft pressure wash once a year keeps the surface clean and free of buildup.

  • With correct installation and care, our finishes last 20 to 30 years or more with no structural deterioration.

  • Each project is custom-measured and priced based on the home’s condition and finish style. While more expensive than paint or limewash, German Smear provides a far longer lifespan and nearly maintenance-free performance — a long-term investment in your home’s value and beauty.

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

Virginia Brick Homes Reimagined with Lasting Craftsmanship

From the Tidewater coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains, German Smear Specialists bring precision and artistry to every project. We tailor each finish to the region’s unique weather and architecture, giving homeowners a one-of-a-kind brick transformation that lasts a lifetime.

Schedule your Virginia consultation today.

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