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Question:

Caulk versus grout for ceramic shower tile?

I have installed tile around my shower and and ready to fill in the gaps between the tile. Grouting looks messy and I don‘t know how to do it. Is there a grout that comes in a tube that can be put into a caulk gun? Can I just caulk the whole thing? This one is new to me so any help is appreciated!!!

Answer:

You can buy grout in a caulking tube which is applied the exact same way as caulking. Grouting is the better option, you may not know how to grout but it is a very simple task. You could even get a grout bag to apply directly into the spacing which would make it a cleaner application.
Use grout to fill the gaps between your tiles. Work in with a rubber float on a 45 degree angle. Press in hard. Wipe off excess grout from tile with a damp sponge. Use silicone caulk in the corner joints to allow for expansion.
Grout is very easy to apply, especially if you use the tiny spacer blocks between the tiles to get the grout lines even. It is messy, but the extra wipes up cleanly with a sponge and water. Caulk is used between the bottom of the tile and the top of the tub because it's flexible and moves when the tub is filled. A solid hard grout line would break.
In 20 years , I ve never seen grout in a caulking tube, You ll need to mix up the proper grout for your tile and apply it like the others stated ( pretty much)Rusty gave the best over all directions so I won t get into that. Wash off w/ a rung out damp sponge, going over it again at a 45 degree angle.Not over washing. Try not to get it perfect the 1 st times, you wont, but don t leave to much grout haze on the tile either. The type of tile you have will determine just how easy/ hard it is to grout. Of course I can t help you there I don t know what you have lol. Any more questions you can go thru my avatar and e mail me, and check out my qualifications. GL

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