GazLC81

Hi Huffy,

1. I would draw a line the height of one tile all the way around the kitchen walls and start to tile straight from the work top. This way there is no need for a baton but you can keep an eye on your levels. Leave a small gap, 2mm should be fine for any expansion between tile and worktop.

2 Just sealant afterwards no need to do it before.

3 You will need to prime the walls before tiling. BAL acrylic primer will do the trick.
I swear by BAL Whitestar, really easy to use and the tiles don't move with that stuff on em! Depending on the gap you are leaving for your grout I would recommend BAL microflex to cope with the heat causing expansion etc

4 I think I am right in saying Whitestar can cope with 100 degrees Celsius so this will be fine!

5 You're spot on, centre on the window and hob/extractor

6 Use trim as this will give a far superior finish, sealant won't be as neat.

HTH

Post pics when you are done!
Gaz