Limewash uses crushed limestone and usually shows up softer. It's better for a full coverage look while German schmear uses mortar and is better for a distressed look.
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.
Whitewash, calcimine, kalsomine, calsomine, asbestis or lime paint is a type of paint made from slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2) or chalk (calcium carbonate, CaCO3), sometimes known as "whiting".
German schmear is a permanent application that gives brick a distressed aesthetic. Whitewash is watered-down paint, while German schmear contains mortar. Both methods cost around $30 to DIY. Whitewash is easier to apply, while German schmear is more labor intensive.
Smoother Finish: Unlike Limewash, the whitewash formula provides a smoother surface finish. Long-Lasting: Unlike paint, which requires frequent maintenance, Whitewash is low maintenance and lasts for years. Applicable for Painted Bricks: Unlike Limewash, the Whitewash formula can easily be applied on painted bricks.
Typically, German smeared brick will last for several years, withstanding elements such as rain and wind.
Limewash has a suedelike texture that's more akin to putty than a standard interior paint. It has been used for centuries to give walls a cozy, patinated look—in fact, it dates all the way back to Roman times. And although you see it most often in shades of white or gray, it comes in bolder colors too.
What Is German schmear/German schmear or mortar wash? All three of these terms refer to the same thing. German schmear, (the German way of spelling, “smear”), is a finishing technique for brick that involves smearing mortar over the face of a brick or stone wall surface.
It's no wonder that this style is gaining traction among both seasoned designers and homeowners eager to explore new forms of artistic expression within their living spaces. The return of limewash is more than a nostalgic nod to the past—it's a reimagining of what walls can do.
Limewash calcifies to the brick, and the product will patina or age over time. Areas like chimneys and exposed walls will wear down more quickly, but areas under cover, such as soffits etc. remain as you painted them for many years. “If you are open to limewash aging, then it's a finish for decades.
'Roman clay can be very forgiving, easy to maintain, and ideal for smooth walls. We love that it delivers a smoother, less chalky finish than limewash with a slight sheen that can reflect the light beautifully.
Acidic deposition and subsequent forest soil acidification and nutrient depletion can affect negatively the growth, health and nutrient content of vegetation, potentially limiting the availability and nutrient content of forage for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and other forest herbivores.
Let's dive right into the myths and misinformation: Lime Wash Myth #1: Limewash paint can only be used on rough surfaces and may not be as durable as traditional paint. Romabio Answer: Incorrect. Limewash paint can be used on smooth, semi-smooth, or rough surfaces.
Once German Schmear mortar is completely dry, it is almost impossible to remove all of it.
While the material is inexpensive, the process is labor-intensive, adding to the cost. German schmear is typically available in white or gray; however, you can also experiment with different colors. Note that this finish is permanent. It also must be applied over bare, clean brick for the best results.
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.
There seems to be 2 different materials most commonly used for the German Schmear; thin set Mortar OR tile grout. From what I've read, mortar is slightly more adhesive, so that's what I used. You can get a bag of either for about $20 from Home Depot.
This simple technique is an affordable and easy option for updating older homes. Most people tend to look at repairs as do-it-yourself projects, especially when DIY is the most cost-effective approach to achieving a certain look.
There are also 3 limitations and disadvantages of the lime-wash: The very rigid demands to weather, temperature and moisture-conditions during the application, the strict demands to experienced craftsmanship and the demands to a perfect, un-defect, dry and "cement-less" ground.
The decision to seal limewash ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Sealing can provide an additional level of protection, making the surface wipeable and slightly more resistant to staining. However, there are some factors to consider. Firstly, adding a sealer may increase the sheen of the finish.
Color pigments do not dissolve in water, however, wet paint is always several shades darker than dry paint. Therefore, the only change in color will be when the paint dries.
Limewash uses crushed limestone and usually shows up softer. It's better for a full coverage look while German schmear uses mortar and is better for a distressed look.
You do not have to seal German schmear. The mortar itself acts as a sealant for the bricks to which it's applied.
Painting adds curb appeal.
And of course, any time you improve curb appeal, you're increasing the value of a home. Keep in mind that this may not be the full layer of paint you typically imagine: techniques like German schmear (a type of mortar wash) also make a big impact.