Upgrade your brick with a unique painting method
German smear and limewash look similar but are made of different base materials.
German smear is durable, affordable, and easy to DIY, but it can take a while to get the method right.
Limewash is eco-friendly, easy to maintain, and antibacterial, but it can erode quickly and has a long drying time.
If you’ve decided to give your brick façade an update and paint it, you might find it difficult to choose between techniques like German smear vs. limewash. Though the two brick-painting methods are frequently compared because of how similar they look, there are a few key differences between the two to consider before making your final choice. This guide settles the debate of German smear versus limewash once and for all by weighing all the pros and cons of each to help you make the right decision for your home’s aesthetic.
German schmear and limewash are two distinct techniques commonly used to enhance the appearance of brick or stone surfaces. While limewash is a type of chalky paint made of slacked lime, German smear is a masonry technique using mortar thinly applied to stone or brick and then wiped off partially. Both methods create an old-world finish that stands the test of time.
German smear and limewash can both be equally aesthetically appealing, depending on your preference. However, limewash wins this round because it’s easier to adjust to a different transparency than German smear, which is typically only white.
Most visually appealing: Limewash
Though limewash doesn’t chip or peel like many exterior brick house paints, it will only last five to seven years. On the other hand, German smear painting won’t fade away at all and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Longest life span: German smear
Both German smear and limewash are affordable options for finishing a brick house, but German smear is the slightly less expensive method. You can pay as little as $30 for a German smear or between $1,500 and $3,000 if you hire a pro to do everything for you. By contrast, you can expect to pay about $80 for limewash and a minimum of $2,000 to hire a pro.
Most affordable: German smear
There are challenges involved with installing both brick finishing options, like the lengthy dry time for limewash and the time-consuming application process for German smear. Despite its special requirements, the overall installation of limewash is faster and less demanding on seasoned and novice DIYers alike.
Easiest to install: Limewash
Although German smear never wears or fades away, the environmental cost to produce mortar is much higher than that of the limestone used in limewash. Not to mention, if you ever want to remove a German smear, you may have to use potentially harmful chemicals like muriatic acid.
Limewash, on the other hand, has long been touted as one of the most environmentally friendly paint options. Why? It has two primary ingredients: lime (as slaked lime, lime putty, or hydrated lime) and water. These are both naturally occurring substances. As such, they create much less environmental waste to obtain than the ingredients required for German smear painting.
Most eco-friendly: Limewash
Also called a German schmear, this method consists of applying white mortar wash to brick walls to lighten their color and change their texture. While the technique is most frequently used on exterior walls, it’s also a suitable way to renovate and paint brick fireplaces and exposed brick walls. Keep reading to find out the benefits and drawbacks of this brick-painting option.
The German smear has a lot going for it, from being easy to DIY to standing the test of time. Here are the main pros you’ll love.
Durable: German smear is an incredibly durable and permanent treatment. When you apply mortar wash to bare brick walls, it adheres completely. That’s good news for maintenance because you don’t have to worry about the finish washing away when you clean your walls.
Adaptable: Although this technique is intended to give your home the look of a German cottage, it can also be adapted to many different styles depending on exactly how you apply it. For example, you can use less mortar during application to allow the original color of the bricks to shine through. Or, you can go all-in and double-coat the surface to hide the bricks entirely.
Affordable: The German smear technique is less expensive than other brick-painting methods, including limewash. You can expect to pay just $30 or slightly more for the materials to DIY 1,000 square feet of brick.
DIYable: Learning how to German smear is relatively easy, which is why so many opt to DIY a project like this. Unlike brick staining, you don’t have to worry about patchy results in your German smear from a lack of professional-level ability. If you missed a spot, you can always go back and touch it up.
Despite all these benefits of the German smear, there are still a handful of reasons why you might decide against it.
It can only be applied to bare brick: If your exterior brick walls are already coated in a layer of paint, stain, or another finish, you won’t be able to German smear until that layer is completely removed. This can double your workload if you’re doing it yourself, so we recommend hiring a local exterior painter if this is the case for you.
It’s permanent: There’s no going back once you’ve decided on the German smear. Because it adheres fully to brick, it’s impossible to remove without seriously damaging what lies beneath.
There’s a lengthy installation: Although German smearing is inexpensive and doesn’t require a lot of skill to apply, the process can take upwards of several weeks if you’re doing it yourself. A pro will be able to complete the project more quickly, but they’ll still need about a week altogether from start to finish.
Limewash is an ancient form of brick finishing that uses a mix of limestone and water to create a unique texture. Much like the German smear, it’s a great option for both interior and exterior brick features. But a few factors, like life span and eco-friendliness, set the two apart.
Limewash comes with many advantages, including easy maintenance and being better for the environment. Keep reading to find out more about what makes limewash great.
Antibacterial: Limewash is naturally antibacterial thanks to its high alkalinity, and using it on exterior brick walls can prevent things like mold or fungi from ever forming.
Maintenance: When properly installed, limewash won’t chip or peel easily as many brick house paints.
DIYability: Like the German smear, applying limewash to your exterior walls doesn’t require any special skills or tools and is relatively easy to do on your own.
Eco-friendliness: Because limewash is made entirely from water and ground limestone, it won’t release any harmful compounds into the environment when it eventually wears away.
Before you fall in love with limewash—and the vision of Roman ruins that it conjures—consider the following downsides.
It erodes quickly: Unlike the German smear, limewash is not permanent. You can expect it to last between five and seven years, at which point you’ll either need to apply a fresh coat or switch to a different finish.
It has a lengthy dry time: Limewash needs a full 24 hours in ideal conditions (damp and slightly humid) to cure and adhere properly. Try to apply it on a cloudy or overcast day, and spray your walls with water beforehand to dampen the brick.
It requires a large batch: If you decide to DIY limewash, experts recommend preparing a large enough batch for the entire space at one time. That’s because the exact texture and consistency of one particular limewash is hard to recreate and will be noticeably different.
You can’t apply it to painted brick: Like the German smear, limewash can’t adhere properly to exterior brick walls with a pre-existing finish.
German schmear is a budget-friendly alternative to various brick-painting methods, including limewash. With an estimated material cost of just $30 or slightly higher, DIY enthusiasts can cover approximately 1,000 square feet of brick surfaces. Since it takes a bit of skill and experience to get the ideal finish, you can hire a local professional for the best results for $1,500 to $3,000.
Limewash costs a bit more. Covering 1,000 square feet requires several coats of paint based on the opacity level. The paint itself is around $80. On average, hiring a professional painter to get the job done starts at $2,000.
Whether to DIY or work with an experienced pro to German schmear or limewash your home depends on several factors, including your skill level, the equipment you may or may not own, the complexity of the project, time constraints, and desired outcome.
Cost-effective: DIY projects save on labor costs as you won't need to pay a professional.
Personalization: DIY allows for creative freedom and the ability to tailor the project to your preferences.
Learning opportunity: Undertaking a DIY project can provide valuable experience and skills for future endeavors.
Expertise: Professionals have experience and knowledge in executing the technique efficiently and effectively.
Time-saving: Hiring a pro expedites the process, completing the project in a shorter timeframe.
Safety: Pros are experts who can navigate heights safely while handling specialized equipment.
Audrey Bruno contributed to this piece.
While grout works in certain circumstances, mortar is preferred for achieving a lasting and visually appealing German schmear finish. Mortar is favored for its easy adhesion to bricks, making it particularly suitable for beginners seeking optimal results. Moreover, mortar offers enhanced durability and resilience against environmental elements compared to grout, ensuring the longevity of the finish. Its robust properties make it an ideal choice for exterior applications where weather resistance is crucial.
German schmear doesn't typically require sealing as the mortar used in the technique inherently serves as a protective sealant for the bricks. While some opt to add an extra layer of protection by sealing German schmear, it's unnecessary for most brick projects. The durability and weather resistance provided by German schmear alone is sufficient for most applications. This characteristic makes German schmear appealing, offering aesthetic enhancement and practical functionality without additional sealing steps.
Yes, brick can breathe through limewash. Limewash is a breathable coating made from natural lime and water, allowing moisture to pass through while providing a protective layer. Unlike synthetic paints or sealants, which can trap moisture within the brick and lead to issues like mold, limewash allows the brick to maintain its natural breathability. This characteristic makes limewash an ideal choice for historic structures where preserving the integrity of the brick is essential.
A traditional German schmear uses mortar, making it unsuitable for adherence to painted surfaces. Professionals recommend removing any existing paint before applying mortar. However, you can rough up the painted surface and clean it to test if the mortar will stick. Remember that the underlying paint's texture and color may affect the schmear's final appearance—so starting with a bare brick wall will ensure the ideal finish.
