Many homeowners have been charmed by the appearance of german smear finishing. Unlike whitewashing, german smear uses a sand-plus-mortar mixture to give a rustic yet pleasing finishing to the wall.
While, german smear is, no-doubt, one of most aesthetic way to enhance charm of any space. However, german smear has gone so bad for many homeowners. Further, it can be little frustrating to fix it properly if you don’t have professional skills.
If you’ll go to various threads, such as reddit or houzz, many people has shared their experiences where their german smear didn’t got the proper finish, had mismatched colors, and their bricks started crumbing, often leading to some serious issues.
Hence, in this post of my blog, I would be talking about the consequences of installing a german smear textured, how to fix a horribly gone bad german smear, and various important tips to avoid future damage.
Alright, without any further delay, let’s get straight to-the-point, and see various common problems associated with german smear.
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Common Problems with German Smear
In this section of this post, we will see some common problems associated with german smear. This, will help you identify your personal case and the action that you need to take.
Let’s get started:
Uneven Color
Uneven coloring is the most common issue that you’ll possibly feel with the german smear DIY. While may not notice it on the first time, but, within a week you will easily be able to notice such problem.
This generally happen when the mixture of sand and mortar is inconsistent. It can also happen when you don’t apply the mixture evenly through the surface.
Efflorescence (White Powder)
Efflorescence on German Smear occurs when the water-soluble salt migrates to the surface of the brick in the form of white powder. This can happen because of excess water in the mortar or the bricks.
So when the water evaporates, it leaves behind the salt on the surface of the wall.
This is one of the most common problems with german smear installation. Later in this post, I’ve discussed how you can deal with such problems by using a mixture of vinegar and water, along with the soft bristle brush.
Cracking In The Mortar or Bricks
Cracking is another common issue that can develop over time. It can happen because of improper consistency of mortar or because the application was done poorly on the wall.
While small cracks can be fixed by applying some of the mortar on those cracks. But, to fix big cracks it’s highly-highly recommended to hire a professional.
Water Stains On The Wall
Water stains is another common problem faced by people who tried German Smear on their wall. Water stains can leave some marks and can even cause structural issues.
However, in a German smear, you don’t really have to use sealant to seal the German smear. You can fix that by mixing water with mild detergent.
After applying, let it sit on the affected area and then rinse it.
Mold Growth
Mold growth is a serious problem and it happens when moisture gets trapped in the smear or when there’s excessive humidity in the area.
To fix that, First, you need to wear some gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the mold. Prepare the cleaning solution by mixing one part bleach with three parts water, and apply the solution to the moldy area.
Let it sit for 15 minutes then gently scrub the moldy area with a brush and rinse it off. To prevent mold growth in the future, use mold-resistant sealant and ensure there’s good ventilation.
Why German Smear Gone Bad?
German smear can go bad due to many reasons such as incorrect installation, unsuitable brick surface, excess humidity, or not using a right proportion of sand and mortar. In order to fix bad looking german smear, identify the problems and see if it can be fixed with some simple DIY or you need a professional. Remember, fixing a german smear isn’t too complicated and can be fixed with some simple guidance.
Incorrect Installation
Incorrect installation often leads to go german smear bad. One of the most crucial factor is the mixture of sand, water, and mortar. Check the consistency of the mortar, make sure it’s neither too thick nor too thin.
Use appropriate tools like a trowel and brush while applying the mortar. Once you have applied, wait for it to partially dry before smearing.
Unsuitable Brick Surface
Before applying anything on the wall surface, you must check the surface for any cracks, bumps, or stains. If there are cracks on the brick surface, seal it with some water-resistant sealant, so that it doesn’t cause leakage problems in the future.
The type of brick that you are using also matters. If you are using bricks that have smooth surfaces, then they are less likely to hold the mortar together, which then leads to poor adhesion and flaking.
Weather Factors
Weather also plays an important part in the success of your German smear wall. If you live in an area where it’s too humid, then the mortar will take more time to dry, if it is too hot then the mortar will most likely take less time to dry. Remember that, extreme weather can impact the drying process of mortar on your German smear.
Improper Maintenance
To preserve the aesthetic appeal and appearance of your German Smear wall, you need to maintain the German smear finish. With no proper maintenance, the German Smear can wear out over time.
To keep its aesthetic appeal, you need to clean it regularly and maintain it from time to time.
Lack of Professional Skill
Trying to do a German smear without any proper skills can end up looking messy and unprofessional. The technique to do German Smear might seem easy but it’s not.
With no proper guidance, tools, and experience, one cannot achieve a successful look on the first try, the results are going to be very frustrating. The best thing you can do is, hire a professional who has skills and experience with this technique.
How To Fix Bad German Smear?
Tools and Materials Needed for Fixing German Smear
To fix a bad German smear, you will need a few tools. So, be ready with the following:
- Trowels
- Brushes
- Mortar
- Sealant
- Cleaning Supplies
Fixing Uneven Surface
If your German Smear looks uneven or doesn’t have that proper finish, you can fix that by gently removing the excess mortar with a brush or trowel. To get started, start by identifying the problem areas by looking at patches where color or surface is not evenly distributed.
If there is a lack of sand and mortar mixture, make sure to re-apply evenly with the help of strokes. If some patches have excess mortar, make sure to remove them using bursh or sand paper.
Once that is done, you can apply a thin layer of new mortar on the spots that need it. This will help you to achieve that desired aesthetic German Smear look.
Fixing Discoloration
If your German Smear has uneven coloring or discoloration, it can be due to uneven application of mortar or extreme weather conditions.
To fix this, you can use a cleaning solution to remove some stains from the bricks. You can also apply a new thin layer of mortar to give that German smear a fresh look.
Fixing Texture Efflorescence(White Powder)
If your german smear has got some white powdered salty substances near the bricks, you can remove it by using a brush. First, start by gently rubbing the affected area by brush. Please don’t be too hard as it can further damaged the bricks.
Keep it lightly and it should slowly go away.
Fixing Cracks and Flakes
If you have noticed cracks and flakes on your German Smear, then it’s because of poor installation technique. You can fix them by applying a layer of fresh mortar but if the cracks are large in size, then it’s recommended to remove the damaged area and get professional help.
Fixing Major Issues
If there are major issues like large cracks or widespread mold, it is best to call a professional who has skills and experience with German Smear.
They will handle the problem professionally and find the best ways to fix it. This way you can ensure that this kind of problem doesn’t arise in the near future.
Preventing Future Problems
It’s always better to be prepared for upcoming future issues. By following some tips(that I got personally from my local professional), you can keep your german smear undamaged for a longer amount of time. These are easy to follow, yet works really great.
Here are some tips that I would recommend you all to keep your german smear keep safe:
Proper Maintenance Tips
The most effective way to keep future problems away is by doing regular maintenance of your German Smear. This regular maintenance includes cleaning the surface regularly and keeping a close eye on cracks, mold, or stains.
Tackling these small issues before they become major ones is important.
Sealant Application to Protect Mortar
Sealant helps provide an extra layer of protection against moisture, mold, and other similar problems. This will also help in preventing common problems like cracks, water stains, and mold growth.
There are different types of sealant available in the market, so use the one that is appropriate for your specific type of mortar. This trick can enhance the lifespan of your German Smear.
Best Practices For Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing your home is the most important thing to do to save yourself from moisture-related issues.
Make sure that your home has a proper ventilation system and you can also consider adding water-resistant barriers to avoid getting humidity in.
Conclusion
The German Smear technique can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, giving it that timeless, rustic look of old European cottages. However, just as with any home improvement project, your german smear can really go bad in terms of appearance.
If the mortar application process is not done properly, then it can result in common problems like uneven color, efflorescence, water stains, cracking, mold growth, etc.
So, make sure to have regular maintenance of your German Smear and utilize waterproofing practices to protect it from these common issues.
But if you face any major problems like huge cracks or molding, then it’s best to get professional help who knows how to deal with these problems and what you can do to avoid them in the future.
By understanding these problems and how to tackle them, you can enjoy your beautiful German Smear look on your walls.
