Grout or silicon first

[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 Silicon the next day so as not to impregnate the Silicon 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 Silicon 1st or after. My thoughts then were Silicon last but the general opinion at that time was Silicon 1st as the Silicon wont stick to grout. I then changed my ways and like to Silicon 1st and then grout when Silicon 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 Silicon 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 Silicon seals the open joint better