How Much Does It Cost to German Schmear a House? [2025 Data]

The average cost to German schmear a house is $5,000. It can range from $500 to $15,000, depending on the size and height of your home and whether you DIY all or some of the work. This mortar wash technique is time-intensive, but it is often more budget-friendly and longer lasting than brushing paint onto brickwork.

Cost Factors When German Schmearing a House

When calculating the cost to German schmear a house, there is more than just the surface area of your brickwork to consider.

Size

The average professional cost to German schmear a house ranges from $1 to $4 per square foot. Unsurprisingly, the bigger your home, the more it costs to apply a mortar wash finish. For an average-sized, fully brick-covered 2,000-square-foot home, this works out to $2,000 to $8,000.

Height

Expect costs to increase by up to 50% per story. Professionals typically charge more to German schmear brickwork on multistory homes because there are additional safety and time considerations. They have to use ladders and possibly scaffolding, and there might be extra prep work to clear overhanging branches.

Number of Coats

The cost to German schmear a house varies depending on the number of coats of mortar wash. Typically, professionals apply one or two coats depending on the look you are going for and the thickness of the mortar mix. One coat is usually enough to achieve sufficient depth and an antique, distressed appearance.

Materials

Material costs to German schmear a house are considerably less than when painting. Material costs could be less than $100 to cover an average 2,000-square-foot home. A German schmear mortar wash is made by mixing sand and cement (or a convenient premixed mortar) with water. An 80-pound bag of mortar mix usually costs around $5 to $10. Other supplies, such as trowels, sponges, and drop cloths, are likely to cost $50 at most.

Labor

While material costs to German schmear a house are low, professional labor typically costs $1 to $3.50 per square foot. German schmear is a skilled, time-intensive technique that normally takes a few days to complete. This price includes any prep work and cleanup tasks.

Surface Preparation

If you have a stain or paint on your brick wall, this coating will need to be removed before any German schmear work can commence. German schmear requires a bare brick surface to adhere properly. Paint stripping costs $0.50 to $2 per square foot, so expect to pay $1,000 to $4,000 for professional paint removal. Otherwise, it might just need a good cleaning to lift off any dirt and debris. The average cost to pressure wash a house is $300.

Repairs

The average cost of brick wall repairs is $20 to $40 per square foot, often with a minimum fee of $200 to $400. An advantage of German schmearing is that it can effectively cover small imperfections in your brickwork; however, it cannot fix major damage. Ignoring cracks or loose bricks might be tempting to save some cash, but this could mean a bigger bill further down the line.

Sealing

Sealing a German schmear finish averages around $2 to $5 per square foot, and it can provide additional waterproofing and stain resistance; however, it is not a necessary part of the job, as the mortar wash itself provides sealing properties. Adding a waterproof sealant also changes the appearance of the German schmear, giving it a more glossy, rather than matte, finish.

Permit

The cost for a building permit to German schmear averages around $200. While this is not a requirement in every local authority, always check before any work commences.

German Schmear Ongoing Expenses

It is not just the upfront cost to German schmear a house that you must budget for. Keep in mind these possible future expenses.

Maintenance

A benefit of German schmear is that it is a low-maintenance brick finish that, when applied correctly, does not fade or flake. To conserve your curb appeal, factor in an annual power wash to keep your home’s exterior looking presentable. If you do not own one, the average cost to rent a power washer is $90 per day. Alternatively, you could hire a power washing professional near you for around $300.

Repairs

Even though German schmear requires little upkeep, exposure to extreme weather conditions or structural problems can sometimes result in cracks or discoloration over time. If this only affects small areas on your home’s exterior, then repairing cracks and touching up the German schmear application is possible. Touch-ups cost $1.50 to $4 per square foot, but contractors usually apply a minimum fee, often between $150 to $300.

Tipping

In line with contractor tipping etiquette, consider keeping aside 10% to 15% of the total project costs to pass on for a job well done. Tipping is not necessary for contractors carrying out a German schmear project on your home, but professionals will appreciate it. It is a sign of respect and builds a positive relationship for future jobs. 

Why You Should Hire a Professional Painter

It’s possible to apply German schmear yourself, and since the materials are affordable, DIYing would save an average of between $1 and $3.50 per square foot. However, hiring an interior painter near you to get the job done is worth the investment in many cases. A pro will have the experience needed to get an even application that maximizes the look of your brick, which could add more to your property value, especially if you’re German schmearing your brick siding.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a professional painter

Hiring a pro is expensive, but it comes with a few key benefits that usually make it a worthwhile investment.

• Professionals can assess your brick and recommend repairs that can make your schmeared brick look even nicer.

• Mistakes are very challenging to correct, and pros have the experience needed to get an even coating and the perfect look the first time around.

• Experts can perform a moisture test on your brick, especially on exterior brick, to make sure that German schmear won’t cause future damage due to moisture build-up.

• Pros will prep your brick by cleaning the surface and even making minor repairs to cracks to help you get the most long-term value from the project.

Cost of Common German Schmear Add-Ons

If you are working with a professional painter to complete the job, you might want to tag on other paint projects you have been putting off. The contractor will likely offer a better rate for working on multiple projects at once, rather than having to return to complete them later. Consider budgeting for the following add-ons to boost your curb appeal even further:

• Cost to paint trim: $700–$2,500

• Cost to paint garage door: $200–$500

• Cost to paint a fence: $750–$4,250

• Cost to paint shutters: $125–$600  

• Cost to paint decking: $500–$2,000

4 Ways You Can Save Money While German Schmearing a House

When you are working with a tight budget but do not have the time or skills to go the DIY route, there are other ways to reduce costs.

1. DIY the prep work: If you have a power washer, cleaning the brickwork before a professional painter arrives can lower your bill.

2. Get multiple quotes: Do not jump at the first price you get. Request quotes from at least three reputable exterior painting contractors near you before deciding.

3. Borrow tools: If you are applying German schmear yourself but do not have a decent ladder or quality trowel, ask your DIY-savvy friends or family if you can borrow these tools rather than buying them.

4. Do not cover the whole house: If your backyard is small, rarely used, or hidden away, consider a partial makeover and only apply the mortar wash to the front side of your house.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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