Grout or silicon first - TilersForums.com

[moonbug]

I've just finished tiling my shower and was wondering should I silicon first before grouting?

In the past I've always grouted first (leaving the corners un grouted ) then siliconed.

This was my first attempt at brick bond so please be gentle.

 

[Del W]

I grout first.pics look ok. how big are the joints?

 

[CJ CERAMICS]

I grout first leaving time for the grout to cure over night then silicone the next day so as not to impregnate the silicone with grout residue.

Remember to remove grout from all areas to be silconed ie shower tray where the grout sometimes lays between that and the tile and in the corners so that there are no weak spots should vibration/movement occur. if you are using a coloured grout buy a matching colour for the sealant. Mapei do specific silicones for this.
chris

 

[moonbug]

3mm grout joints,corners between 2 and 4mm . I have around 3mm between the ceiling and the top tile would I be better grouting this or silicon?

The grout colour is limestone, do mapei do a silicon to match this?

 

[Gazzer]

I think one of the 1st discussions I entered on the forum all those year back was about silicone 1st or after. My thoughts then were silicone last but the general opinion at that time was silicone 1st as the silicone wont stick to grout. I then changed my ways and like to silicone 1st and then grout when silicone is dry.

 

[Gazzer]

For the ceiling use decorators caulk.

 

[moonbug]

For the ceiling use decorators caulk.

Ah good call never thought of that

 

[doug boardley]

I grout first and leave corners and places that need siliconing free from grout, then silicone once everything is dry.

 

[Mike]

as above , grout first. tiling looks good, and i see you've gone round the corners in 'full' tiles.

 

[merlecollins]

Grout first then the silicone seals the open joint better

 

[aph257]

Grout 1st, then silicone next morning

 

[Lincoln-tiler]

As above, grout first and silicon after. Make sure tiles a polished off and very dry. If siliconing a bath, fill the bath to the botham of the overflow and silicon with this full. leave for 24 hours then empty the bath. The reason for this is the bath is at its maxium capacity and the silicon sets stretched. Once the bath empty's it closes together, this prevents the silicon splitting over time, all the best Vinney

 

[Lincoln-tiler]

P.s you have done a nice job there mate