if you mask the counter and tile with blue painters tape you can get a very clean caulk line. It will look better once the tile is grouted too.

Right, I know how that's done...I've done that myself.

But what I'm asking is that there is no gap between the tile and the countertop, so there's no room for the caulk to rest unless it is forward of the counter and tile.

I had understood it as the caulk line would be flat/flush, not jutting forward of the tile.

If you look at this post from our own Trebruchet, here's how he has suggested doing things previously: http://www.dirtygrout.com/forums/showthread.php/13898-Tile-Detail?highlight=backsplash

I think the caulk line could look uneven if it flows up the grout line but you might be able to mask it well enough.

That said, Trebruchet is usually right.If you don't like it you can have your contractor rip it out and start over. I wouldn't let him grout it until you decide. I looked for a pic of mine... looks like there was a bit of a space below the subway tile.

andreak100:

I wouldn't use masking tape to caulk in this particular application. Getting the tape on evenly would take forever.

If you're going to live with it, and I would, I'd cut a fresh fine tip on some clear GE silicone ll, push it in the corner, spray it with Windex, and smooth it with a wet finger. Don't touch your bead when you wipe the Windex overspray.

Less is more in this application.

That's going to be nice, andreak100.

O/T, but on:
What purpose does the Windex serve, Trebruchet? To moisturize the caulk to allow smoothing or does it set the caulk some too? (I have to re-caulk behind my faucet, where the caulk has come up a little).

SparklingWater:

The Windex keeps the caulk from sticking where you don't want it. If you smooth out a bead without it, you'll smear the excess up the wall and onto the deck.