German Smear Brick Finishes in West Virginia

Hand-applied brick restoration built for Appalachian homes and mountain climates

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About Us

German Smear Specialists brings precision craftsmanship and old-world artistry to brick homes throughout West Virginia. Every project is performed by our in-house team — never subcontracted. The owner, Thomas, personally oversees each transformation, ensuring consistency, durability, and beauty from start to finish.

From historic brick homes in Charleston to cozy mountain residences in Morgantown, we deliver finishes that protect against moisture, enhance texture, and add timeless curb appeal.

Your Vision.

Made Reality.

Why West Virginia Homeowners Choose German Smear

West Virginia’s mix of mountain rain, winter freeze, and humid valleys demands a durable, breathable finish that adapts to every elevation. Our German Smear applications are engineered for resilience and beauty:

  • Moisture-safe mortar formula prevents trapped water during heavy rain or snow.

  • Freeze-thaw resistance to endure temperature shifts common in the Appalachians.

  • UV stability to maintain tone and texture even in open-sky or southern exposures.

  • Handcrafted detailing that blends perfectly with West Virginia’s classic and rustic brick architecture.

Our Process

Consultation & Price-Lock Estimate
We evaluate your home’s structure and style to provide a guaranteed quote that won’t change once approved.

Surface Preparation
All exterior brick is cleaned and readied to ensure a long-lasting bond.

Sample Preview
We create a live sample section so you can see the color and finish under real outdoor light.

German Smear Application
Our skilled team applies the selected style by hand, customizing coverage, tone, and depth to your brick’s natural character.

Final Cleaning & Walkthrough
We clean the property thoroughly and complete a detailed review with you to confirm 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 or remodeled homes seeking a refined texture.

Heavy Textured Finish

What It Offers

Thickly troweled mortar for deep, sculpted texture and dimension.

Ideal For

Custom homes and mountain estates that benefit from shadowed brick texture.

Traditional Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Classic colonial and early 20th-century homes found across West Virginia towns.

Rustic Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Historic and farmhouse-style homes nestled in West Virginia’s rural settings.

Mortar Wash Finish

What It Offers

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

Ideal For

Cottage or lakeside homes seeking warmth and charm.

Custom Options Featuring Stayntech™

  • Mortar color accenting to enhance tone and contrast.

  • We are certified and trained to use Stayntech™ brick staining systems, allowing brick color customization before or alongside German Smear application. Stayntech™ carries a 15-year warranty and expands the range of design possibilities for homeowners.

Areas We Serve

Morgantown

Fairmont

Clarksburg

Wheeling

Northern West Virginia

Southern West Virginia

Princeton

Bluefield

Lewisburg

Summersville

Central West Virginia

Charleston

Huntington

Beckley

Nitro

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West Virginia German Smear Project Showcase

See examples of brick transformations across the mountain state — from historic downtown facades to custom homes in the Appalachian foothills.

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FAQs

  • Each project is custom-measured for precise pricing. While more expensive than paint or limewash, the long lifespan and nearly maintenance-free durability of German Smear make it a better long-term investment.

  • Maintenance is minimal. A light rinse or power wash every year or two helps keep the finish clean. The surface remains strong and visually consistent for decades.

  • Our mortar blends are designed to expand and contract naturally with the brick, preventing cracking or separation through extreme seasonal changes.

  • Each project is personally led by Thomas, the owner and lead artisan. His in-house crew is trained directly under his supervision, ensuring exceptional quality with no subcontractors involved

  • We perform all estimates remotely using precise satellite measuring technology. Each quote is reviewed by our Chief Estimator, Hayden, and backed by a price-lock guarantee so you know your exact cost before work begins

  • Stayntech is a professional brick staining system that we are certified and trained to use. It allows color adjustments before the German Smear process, pairing perfectly with rustic and traditional styles to achieve long-lasting, custom results.

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

Brick Beauty That Matches the Mountain State

German Smear Specialists bring artisan skill and durable design to West Virginia homes. From Charleston to Morgantown, our finishes highlight the state’s rugged charm while protecting your home from the elements.

Schedule Your West Virginia Estimate Today

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