How do i apply tile grout between tiles and a silestone countertop?
Question:I have a new silestone kitchen counter and cermaic tiles on the wall. There is no backsplash. There is a very small but deep space between the bottom of the tile and the countertop that I would like to apply grout that matches the grout around the tille. When I apply by putty knife, the grout goes everywhere but in the crack and I want to protect the countertop. I need something that directs the grout in the small crack. Is there a tool for this and where do i get it?
Answers:
Most companies that make grout sell an acrylic siliconized caulking that matches the grout color and even texture if you used sanded grout. If you used a Laticrete grout they definitely make a caulk to match, should be around $22/ 10 oz caulking tube (At Lowe's).
You definitely want to use caulk in this area because it gives you an expansion joint between the wall material, the tile, the silestone. You need this joint to remain somewhat flexible because of seasonal movement of your home and because the shock of your cabinet drawers opening and closing can make a grout joint between these two dissimilar materials crack and fall out.
The acrylic siliconized caulk cleans up with water so you don't have the mess that you would have with pure silicone, which needs denatured alcohol for clean up.
You may have to settle for caulk, they may have different colors. And who installed it? If it's you you may need as I said to settle for a colored caulk, if it was a pro, call em and invite them over for coffee.
When applying grout, a grout float is used .If it was me I would cover the counter top with saran wrap or a plastic trash bag. The bottom crack that you are describing is where you do put silicone or caulking ( it's called a water break ) This is so if you decide to throw water balloons or a pan of water on your counter top it wouldn't leak into the cabinetry below.
you need to forgo the standard grout and get a silicone based grout other wise even if you get it where you want it it will crack after it dries.
you dont use grout between those even on tile to tile because when they go in different directions or meet a wall you need a more flexible surface to prevent cracking... when you make a tile wall the tiles act as one large piece of stone... so when they are warmer they expand togther and when they are cold they shrink togther and being that they are meeting a different surface that will expand and contract at a different rate caulk is the way to go hopefully you can get it in the same color as the grout you are using...
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