Learn to Do a German Smear
2 Materials
$250
2 Days
Medium
Always wanted a brick wall in your home ? If you're like me and have always wanted one, but are not so keen on the price for real brick veneer, take a look at how plain, faux brick panels become aged and antiqued to create a focal point for any room. Learn to do a German Smear at Recaptured Charm.
The German Smear Technique The German Smear Technique aged this faux brick panel to just the right antique look for my bedroom.
See how easy it is to take these faux brick panels, hide the seams and create something spectacular for any room. These panels are a great starting point, but the seams drive me crazy.
Even though you can't see the seams in this picture, they really stand out in person. The panels are affordable and a great start to getting the look I want. With the dark furniture I wanted to lighten them up, but not get a painted look.
With Drywall Compound you can create a look that is sought after in many homes, apartments and lofts. Smear on the compound and take some off with a putty knife or scraper. Apply the compound lightly on some areas, and a tad heavier in other areas. Scraping some right down to the brick gives it that authentic brick look.
In the end you'll have a rustic and antiqued wall. This is all part of a bedroom makeover that will be revealed soon on Recaptured Charm
Bedroom makeover complete. To see more pictures of the completed wall and bedroom update, see here http://www.recapturedcharm.com/2016/11/master-bedroom-makeover.html
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 44 comments
-
So just to clarify, i can use drywall compound on an interior brick fireplace? Do i need to seal it? Or put a top coat on it?
-
Hi Carrie, yes this is used inside only. I did not seal mine with anything. Just as you would not wash a real brick wall with water, you wouldn't wash this with water either.
If you feel the need to dust it down every once in a while, use a soft bristled broom.
-
-
What can I use on the exterior to get the same look?
-
What you need to look for is a mortar smear. Your local Home Depot or Lowes can give you information on the mortar you will need for outdoors.
-
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
After whitewashing brick fireplace we have some drip marks how can I cover them or correct them
I never saw an answer for sealing. Is there a specific sealer after you do the smear. Thank you Kevin.
We just moved in to this Colorado home. I have a fireplace with large red, orange, white stones that match exterior of home. Could I do this smear on this real stone for an updated look? I don't want to completely whitewash, as I like some color seeping through for variation. Curious about trying this smear, although there are a lot of gaps between the stones and they're all different in size too. Would love ideas! We want to lighten the space and make it bright, but are enjoying the natural elements.