Learn how to German Schmear your fireplace with this easy-to-follow how-to video by Shanty2Chic. This can be done on any brick or stone in your home!

I have been staring at my stone fireplace for two years now envisioning how I could give it a more modern look. I love natural stone but it is very rustic and it really limits me on what I can do in my living room. After I saw Whitney German Schmear her stone fireplace, I had to do it too! For only $65 I was able to give my Rustic Stone Fireplace a completely new and modern look! We thought it would be a great idea to share a how-to video when we tackled my fireplace so come check out our new How to German Schmear a Fireplace video! Just click the play button in the box below!

How easy, fun and inexpensive was that? And it really gave my entire living room a new, updated look! My daughter is still commenting on how bright our house feels now 🙂

Supplies

You don’t need a huge laundry list of supplies. This is all you need!

How to German Schmear a Fireplace

Protect EVERYTHING

Step 1 – Builder’s Paper

Rolling Out Builder’s Paper

Before we started, we rolled builder’s paper out to cover the floor surrounding the fireplace. Make sure to more of the floor than you think because you can fling mortar as you paint.

Step 2 – Tape Off

Taping off the Builder’s Paper

After rolling out the Builder’s Paper, tape it to the floor with painters tape. Tape off around the perimeter of the fireplace as well.

Taping off the Walls

You will also need to tape off up the wall.

Mixing the Mortar

Step 1: Scoop the Mortar into the 2-Gallon Bucket

Scooping Mortar into Bucket

Scoop the mortar into the 2-gallon bucket then add water. We did about a 50/50 ratio for my fireplace. You can add more mortar or more water to get the consistency that you prefer.

Step 2 – Mix the Mortar

Mixing the Mortar and Water

With the mixing attachment on a drill, mix the mortar and water together. We went with a toothpaste consistency for my fireplace. Start mixing on low to avoid making a mess.

How to German Schmear

Step 1 – Paint on the Mortar

Paint Mortar on Stones

Using a paint brush, dip the brush into the bucket of mortar and paint it on the stone. We decided not to fill the stones in completely and let some of the natural stone color peek through.

Step 2 – Wipe the Mortar with a Sponge

Wipe Mortar with a Wet Sponge

Before the mortar sets, dip a sponge into a clean bucket of water and wipe down the mortar if you think it is too thick in spots. This will also give the stone a more whitewashed look. I didn’t do this to my stones very much but if you want to reveal more of the stone, do this every 20 minutes or so as you are painting.

That was IT! How easy was that? I love how my new German Schmear Fireplace looks in my living room. It adds so much light to the room and makes it feel more open and modern!

Stone Fireplace Before German Schmear

Here’s the before!

How to German Schmear a Stone Fireplace

I also love how the natural wood tones stand out on the white!

At $65 in materials and about 2 hours worth of work, that’s a lot of bang for your buck! Do you have a spot in your home you are dying to try this out on? Let us know in the comments!

Pillows

Before I let you go, I have to share where I got these cute pillow covers! Not all of my old pillows were inserts with covers. The pillows that were whole pillows, I just put inside these covers! So much more affordable and a great way to reuse a dingy decorative pillow!

Pillow Covers

Pillows Linked Left to Right

Pillow Covers

You can get info on all of the other items in my living room below! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Happy Building!

Links to Items in My Living Room

DIY Round Coffee Table

DIY Mantel

DIY Hanging Shelves

Couches

Rug

Vase

Stems

Flooring

Black Striped Pillow Covers

Dash Pillow Cover

Arrow, Aztec and White Striped Pillow Covers

Gray Pillows

Ashley and Whitney Blog post signature

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6 Comments

  1. could you do this on a walkway of stone? Thinking of doing this to some stone that is in our patio and foyer

  2. Thanks. Great idea but it looks very heavy. Sorry but me the application had too much. Not enough was removed.and it looks like it was painted, almost. The light colored stone needed a light touch.

  3. Ditto to the comment left by Angie on 06/13. I have been searching for a ceiling fan with light to goes well with the rustic farm style. Thanks!

  4. Would you please give info about your ceiling fan? I love the seeded glass shade w the black blades. Thanks