in a nut shell where and when to silicone

[spenny]

As above states, i have done plenty of siliconing, however have recently come across a tiler who says he never does!! Much to my utter disbelief, i tried convincing him it is essential, to which he said he just tells customers he doesnt do it!!! For me, i do not have any difficulty doing it, however remain slightly unsure where it is absolutely required and where it is not so important.
spenny

[Daveyboy]

Hi Spenny, I always silicone all my tile corners and joints. Some don't need it but I find it looks odd when some areas are siliconed and some are not. It doesn't take that long to do and have never had a customer complain so far...touch wood!

[GazTech]

siliconing against all porcelain or bathroom fixtures, all vertical corners, and against anything that may be prone to movement, ie architraves ,cabinets,worktops etc....Gaz

[cornish_crofter]

I use silicone in all corners, joints etc. I fit bathrooms as well so I also use it as an adhesive and to assist with water proofing when I secure sanitary items to the wall.

When installing or tiling around a shower tray I always use 2 seals.

1) Between the edge of the tray and the existing wall/surface to be tiled, then let that go off then tile...
2) Then the second goes to seal the shower tray to the tiles.


The way I look at this is that if water does get behind the grout (and I've put a few right where this has happened), or heaven forbid, there is a fault with the visable seal, then the second will act as a backup.

If I am putting 6mm hardibacker onto existing walls with a bath or shower tray in situ (as some customers have wanted), I may indeed put 3 seals in place.
1) Against the existing wall
2) Against the hardibacker
3) Against the tiles

The great thing about silicone is that you can hide virtually every cut you make to fit an internal corner because we all plan out our jobs before we tile.

What I don't do is silicone against walls or surfaces that have yet to be painted, because you obviously can't paint onto silicone with any great success. The shower room I've just finished is due to get painted by the customer. Hence, as I'm going to be doing his other bathrooms I'll be on site to do this when he's finished painting.

I also advocate it for use between floors and walls, whether they be lino or tiles.

I have also used it on trims below raised shower trays.

[trevortine]

Excellent reply that man! My technique practically mirrors what you do, got to say it took me a while to be able to make it neat then just sort of happened one day! Just like riding a bike now!!!!

[LM Ceramics]

at first i didnt use to silicone i was never taught how to do it properly and when i tried it was horrendous but now i have been shown how to silicone i go mad with the gun anywhere i can silicone i will

[spenny]

cheers guys,
so basically everywhere and anywhere!!! I just wanted to clarify and make sure i wasnt doing it where i shouldnt and wasting time

[cornish_crofter]

cheers guys,
so basically everywhere and anywhere!!! I just wanted to clarify and make sure i wasnt doing it where i shouldnt and wasting time

Just don't silicone on surfaces that are to be painted. OK to do it once the decorating has been finshed, but not before. Paint does NOT adhere to cured silicone - very little does.