Grout instead of Silicon at joins and edges?

kev3 · Post by **kev3** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:53 am

Just finished tiling one wall of our bathroom, and i'm wondering if I can just use grout at the top and bottom of the tiles where it meets the floor and ceiling, and wall corners?
The reason i'm asking is that the last time i tried to use silicon i made a right mess as i found it quite tricky to work with!

moon133 · Post by **moon133** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 11:59 am

I grouted and then Sealed. I haven't sealed one corner and, as one wall is stud and the other is brick, I've found the movement you get has cracked the grout. Sealant will solve the problem as it'll move slightly as the walls move.

I've not had any cracks in the grout between the floor and wall but I will be putting sealant on as if it does crack and water gets in I could be looking at some serious probs.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 5:03 pm

Is the grout flexible Kev?

If it is not then it might crack with expansion

handyman · Post by **handyman** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 5:15 pm

i leave grout out of any joins, and fill with silicon.

Is there a thread on how to get a good finish on silicon runs on here?

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 5:18 pm

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/silicone_sealant.htm

owen · Post by **owen** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 6:12 pm

kev, there are some tools around like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Silicone-Grouting ... dZViewItem

which i find make it a lot easier, it wipes away any excess silicone very cleanly.

Only-Me · Post by **Only-Me** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:20 pm

Grout and then run a bead of clear silicon.........or white if white tiles

Jaeger_S2k · Post by **Jaeger_S2k** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:45 pm

I always run, well try to run an equal bead then select the finger that best suits the bead.
Lick it and run it along the bead slowly spreading it. One wipe only.
Licking it stops you ‘picking up’ the sili.

Also have a good supply of kitchen towel/roll and clean 'the finger' with it. Repeat.

Usually get a nice even coat and it feathers out well.

Really worth cleaning the tiles thoroughly with something like ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL Link http://www.maplin.co.uk/Free_UK_Deliver ... _28994.htm allow it to dry off and you'll get a good clean area to sili.

Be sure to let the Iso to evaporate. If you make a complete mess you can remove all the sili with the Iso too.

kev3 · Post by **kev3** » Tue May 01, 2007 10:44 am

Thanks guys, think i'll give the silicon and washing up liquid a go.. hope the wife doesn't get the wrong idea when i ask for the washing up liquid!

Keygs · Post by **Keygs** » Tue May 01, 2007 11:32 am

Hi all
I have just siliconed my bathroom floor where the walls meet, the base to my toilet, the corners of my shower.
I apply a small amount of silicon,( keep small pieces of paper with me incase there is a build up of silicon on the nozzle and spray this with a mixture of water and dishwashing liquid. I then use an empty container of silicon bending or squashing the opening to fit the profile of the joint, I spray the mixture of dishwashing detergent and water onto the silicon joint and then into the empty silicon container lip. I run the container along the joint and the excess silicon runs into the container, (the easiest is going vertical) ( not so easy running along the horizontal joint but with practice it works)
I spray the area again and run my finger along the joint, spray the area again and rub off all excess silicon left, normally not much is left.
I have found the key being, using the the spray bottle of dishwashing detergent and water the silicon does not stick to it.
Hope this little tip for Aus will help.
cheers
Keygs