  We present a method to smear (center projected) $Z(2)$ vortices in lattice
gauge configurations such as to embed vortex physics into a full $SU(2)$ gauge
configuration framework. In particular, we address the problem that using
$Z(2)$ configurations in conjunction with overlap (or chirally improved)
fermions is problematic due to their lack of smoothness. Our method allows us
to regain this smoothness and simultaneously maintain the center vortex
structure. We verify our method with various gluonic and fermionic observables.
