Silicon smoothing sets...

[bobbynz]

do you not think it's a better finish with a smoothing tool than a finger?

no i dont use my finger, i use a smoothing tool, the one i have put a photo up of with one of my earlier posts on this thread. i wouldnt want my fingers in to some of the acid based silicones.usually wear gloves anyway.if you spray your fingers before picking up the excess its just less mess to clean up.

 

[Rich]

do you not think it's a better finish with a smoothing tool than a finger?

I used to use my finger before I bought a couple of these sets and I would say that the tools give a much better finish and seal then using your finger. The peeps that make the tools say that they give a better seal (there again they would) because there is no liquid used so no risk of getting liquid between the Silicon and the wall/floor. And as said before the finish looks very professional and you can offer a range of profiles (I have the 5 set kit) to complement the room and tiles.

My process goes like this;

• Cut out all the internal angles when the grout is just starting to harden
• Come back when the grout is totally set and Hoover all the joints out
• Wipe all the areas that are to be Silicon with meths on a clean rag and make sure that it is dry
• Gun in and swipe the vertical joints (you need a lot of paper towel and a lot of Silicon)
• Then go back round the room to do the horizontal joints (this makes it easier to get the right look and seal on the 3 ways)

I wouldn't say that it was any quicker than using the finger but I think that it gives the perfect finishing touch to a tiled room.

 

[Tabby Cranks]

A tool set for me. Never seen a Silicon man using his finger.