How to Caulk Quarter Round Like a Pro: The Ultimate Guide from the Flooring Guy

Hey friends, Todd here—The Ultimate Flooring Guy. Today, I want to walk you through one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of finishing a flooring job: caulking the quarter round. It's one of those little details that takes your project from good to great. Whether you're a seasoned installer or tackling your first DIY flooring job, this is the stuff that makes your work shine—literally.

Let's dive into how I do it and the little tricks that make it faster, cleaner, and more professional.

Step 1: Apply a Smooth Bead of Caulk

Once your quarter round is installed, start by running a steady bead of caulk along the top edge where the molding meets the wall. This fills in any tiny gaps and gives you that clean, seamless look. I use a standard white painter's caulk, but the key is consistency. You don't need to overdo it—just enough to fill the space and smooth out any imperfections.

Step 2: Use Your Finger (Carefully)

After laying your bead, I run my finger along the top edge to press it into place and smooth it out. Pro tip: my fingernails are basically worn down from doing this so often. It's not glamorous—but it works. You'll want to keep pressure even and consistent. What's left over on your finger? Don't waste it! That's what I use to fill nail holes and small gaps in the corners. Efficiency, baby.

Step 3: Hit Those Nail Holes

Every piece of quarter round has a few nail holes from installation. I just use the excess caulk from my fingertip to dab into those holes, then smooth it out. It blends perfectly and saves you from going back and forth with putty. Make sure to also hit those inside corners to keep things looking seamless.

Step 4: Wipe It Down Right

Here's where most people mess up: they don't wipe off the excess. That's a big no-no. If you leave caulk smeared on the quarter round, the wall, or especially if it dries with ridges, the light will catch it and it looks terrible. Take a clean rag and gently wipe away the excess caulk. You want a crisp line—not a mess.

I like to use the 8 lb bags of t-shirt rags from Lowe's. They work great, but not all rags are created equal. Some are too linty or don't absorb well. Try a few and see which ones you like best. I recommend using a fresh rag for every room to keep things neat.

Tools I Love

I'm currently working in a 13x14 bedroom, and let me tell you—my $50 roller seat from Home Depot is a back-saver. The sticker fell off mine, but it's made by Milescraft, and I highly recommend it. I just roll along the room, caulking and touching up as I go. If you're doing this for a living, invest in gear that keeps you comfortable and efficient.

Why I Shop at Lowe's

I'm in Lowe's two to three times a week. Here in North Carolina, Lowe's has a strong presence—they actually started up the road in Wilkesboro. I use the Lowe's for Pros card to save 5% and get access to rewards (though sadly, no energy drinks—just snacks I don't need). Still, it's a great place to get quality materials consistently.

Final Thoughts

Once I'm done with a room, I do a final pass to double-check all corners, holes, and edges. I make sure everything is smooth and clean, and that's what gives the job that polished look. I even revisit old miters and caulk lines from previous videos just to make sure everything is still holding up.

If you want floors that look professional, it's the finishing details that make the biggest difference. Caulking quarter round isn't hard—it just takes care, the right tools, and a little pride in your work.

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