Each piece of Fond du Lac Country Squire was carefully applied and hand-smoothed with a light white mortar wash, known as German schmear, to soften the surface while allowing the stone’s rich warm gray and taupe tones to remain visible. This finish adds subtle texture and depth, creating the look of aged stonework found in European cottages. The German schmear technique gives the stone on this fireplace a lightly distressed, limewashed effect—ideal for rustic, farmhouse, transitional, and modern organic interiors.