Is this a realistic outcome for a German Schmear exterior?

3 years ago

So this cute little house is our potential first as new homeowners! We have to choose a roof color by the end of the week but we don't own the house yet so we can't pull off that vinyl siding and see what's under there.
we really don't like the dark stone and white vinyl look (and I just hate go to siding tbh) so I'm trying to see what I could do to unify them more.
one solution is to paint the vinyl darker but I love the look of light cottage-y houses and I keep coming across this German Schmear mortar technique. Painted stone can look...really bad...but I like that this preserves the texture and color variation while still lightening it over all.
I've included our potential house and our example and I'm wondering if that is a realistic expectation of the results?
thanks!

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Lori A. Sawaya

3 years ago

You can't paint vinyl darker than it is. It will warp/melt. Look up Romabio on Instagram, it will give you the look you're after.

The stone is pretty but I get what you mean; it does lean a little dark and gray.

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Comments (7)

Mila H
Original Author
3 years ago
Oh wow I didn't know that! our siding guy said we could paint it but I'll do my own research now. Yeah I had seen the Romabio limewash paint, and maybe we'll end up using that too. But I'm wondering specifically about the over-grouting look you get with the german smear
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Felix Pradas-Bergnes
3 years ago
I personally do not care much for either smear or limewash. It can look unfinished or decayed, but not in a charming way. I love stone, but in this case go ahead and paint it white. The siding on the top will blend in then.
houssaon
3 years ago
If this were my home, I'd replace the siding with either wood clapboard (or shakes) or Hardie plank.

I would put on a medium tone gray roof. Replace the lantern with a larger one. Replace the storm door with a full glass version. Redo the foundation planting.
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
FYI

The good news is that you can paint vinyl siding. Just be aware that the siding will be only as maintenance-free as the paint itself. ... Even if the warranty permits painting, make sure you comply with any of the sidingmanufacturer's stipulations, such as the type and color of paint to use.Sep. 3, 2020

As for how the shmear will work on the stone I think so but do ateast somehwere where you can hide it with shrubbery if it goes wrong.

I honestly never like exterior stone or brick painted so the shmear is IMO the only choice other than loving it natural. That storm door has to go and once you are in then the work begins on the landscaping which will bring the cottage look to life
grioux
3 years ago
I don't understand how you have to pick a roof color when you don't own the house yet?

Wait until you own it, check what is under the siding, it may impact what color you do the roof if you decide to remove the siding.
PRO
Lori A. Sawaya
3 years ago
Oh wow I didn't know that! our siding guy said we could paint it.

Every vinyl siding manufacturer publish in their warranty LRV color specifications. Most of them state that you can't paint their product with a color that has an LRV less than 50 or 55. I've seen them as specific as 57; it had to be a typo.

And there are vinyl safe paint products as well.

However, older white vinyl painted a darker 'vinyl safe' color is unlikely to last. It would be more of a short-term vs. long-term solution.

Is this a realistic outcome for a German Schmear exterior?

Lori A. Sawaya

Comments (7)

Mila H
Original Author

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houssaon

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Is this a realistic outcome for a German Schmear exterior?

Lori A. Sawaya

Comments (7)

Mila HOriginal Author

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Felix Pradas-Bergnes

houssaon

Patricia Colwell Consulting

grioux

Lori A. Sawaya

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Mila H
Original Author