Agree with most of things you said but waiting around until Aldi stocks just to save a tenner is a bit counter productiveOuch, £3 at Aldis when they have them in. The smoothing tools alow a good seal, and if you carefully use a straight sided one, then you can get the sealant off above and below the seal. You have to angle some of the smoothers to get you across the grout lines, otherwise that dip into them, and give a little wave effect.
how do you clean up the greasy surface which is left both sides of the seal
let the silicone totally dry and then a spot of meths or white spirit on a cloth will lift the residue.
but waiting around until Aldi stocks just to save a tenner is a bit counter productive
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