Spreading sealant ?

Agh. I curse my hardened skin. It's best to use a tool for sure these days when you're dealing with a smooth surface, but if it's a rendered block wall then a wet finger! Tip I found is that if you leave it a good 5 mins it develops a skin and then the wet finger doesn't just stick to it on contact. Make sure to add a bit of soap to the mix, really helps.

A spray of soapy water on the silicon after initial application using a well shaped tip, usually. But I used to see proper builders just spit.

I'd still go with the applicator on tiles, it's nearly always going to be a better job if you're not used to working with silicon. 🖕

He's my mirror-image in DIY terms. He was sheeting and plastering the same week as I took it up and he was also digging up drains when I was too. And other similar tasks too.

Half expecting him to start installing windows himself next.