Silicon first? or paint first?
 

I'm refinishing the bathroom today.. now I'm at the putting the baseboards back and resealing the tub, I'm not sure which of the above I should begin with. I'm sure one makes more sense than the other, but it's not sense that I've "earned" yet!

If your talking about silicone around the tub rim do that last. use GE silicone II and have the tub filled with water 1/2 way until the silicone cures.
The rest of the places you might want to caulk can be done before painting if you use a paint able caulk. Pure silicone as in Silicone II is not paint able.
Hope this answers your question.

silicon
 

wow..an excellent answer..thanks a lot

Little late on this now, but Paul is correct on the painting first. Even lifetime caulk will need to be replaced from time to time and there will not be any damage to the surface behind the caulk if painted first. I prime and paint all sides and sufaces in the bathroom or sink area of the kitchen before caulking.

read the lael, i don't think 100% sillycone is paintable, but it's great for service.