Quarter-round moldings need to be installed with the baseboards for a faultless look. Only installing baseboard can sometimes look unfinished. They hide gaps between baseboard and floor or any floor damages below baseboards.
If you buy a nail gun for baseboard earlier, you can install a quarter-round molding using that effortlessly.
But you can install it without a nail gun too. Yes, you see right. Although many people don’t believe that it is possible to install without a nail gun.
To simplify your struggles in installing quarter-round molding (while a finish nailer or pneumatic nailer is not available), we have shared a step-by-step guide so you can install quarter-round easily. Let’s see in detail:
How to Install Quarter Round without a Nail Gun: 7 Easy Steps
Mainly there are two ways of installing quarter rounds without finish trim nails or standard nails. Both are easy to do if you have the necessary tools and follow the instructions.
Tools You Need to Install Quarter Round:
- Latex sealant/caulk
- Hack saw
- Tack and sled hammer
- Nail set
Read More: What to Look for Before Buying Nails for Fencing?
Step 1: Clean Up the Working Space
First of all, you need to clear out the entire space to install the quarter round. You must remove any dirt and debris around the baseboard and the floor.
Otherwise, they can get stuck between the floor and baseboards.
Later on, it will be challenging to clean up. Hence, it would be best to clean any dirt around the spaces to install the crown molding.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 2: Prepare Quarter Round Molding
Preparing the quarter-round molding is very crucial. Suppose you mess up this step. Then the entire process will go in unsuccessful. You need to measure the molding for each wall or baseboard correctly.
You need to place the molding against the baseboard ensuring there is no gap in the inner side or corner.
Then mark the length requirement for the molding and cut the trim molding accordingly.
You might have to cut some endings of the moldings at a certain angle for the corners. Once your moldings are ready, you can place them in their respective places so that you can quickly identify which one goes where. That way, it will be easier when you start to install the quarter-round molding.
Step 3: Installing Quarter Round Without Nail Guns
Now is the turn to install the quarter-round molding. The challenge here is the absence of a nail gun. A nail gun will undoubtedly make the process easier. But, here we are learning to install the molding without a nail gun.
We have two options to install it without a brad nail gun.
Important: To know how a nail gun works, Check This Article
a. Installing Quarter Round Using a Hammer and Nails
The first one is the old traditional way of using the hammer. In this method, we will pin into the quarter-rounds utilizing a hammer and nails. However, you need to choose natural nails. For installing quarter rounds, 1- ¼ inches finish nails are the best choice. They are long enough to go through the quarter round to the baseboard.
- Firstly, you need to place the quarter-round to the very end of the wall and tightly against the baseboard. Verify there is no gap in between the quarter round and the floor. However, it is okay to have a slight gap between the baseboard and the quarter round.
- That gap can fill up later. Hold the quarter round in place and put the first nail at the end of the quarter round. Leave about an inch gap from the end and put the nail in the middle of the quarter round. Insert the pin almost parallel to the floor. And angled downwards a little to pass through the molding and the baseboard. You must not insert the nail in such a way that it gets into the floor.
- Once you have understood the placement of the first finishing nails, start hammering the finish nail. Keep in mind that you should not fasten the pin the entire way. If you do so, the hammer can leave dents on the quarter round. Leave a little of the nail unfasten.
- As you have put the brad nails in the quarter round, leaving a little outside, now you will need a nail set to complete the rest of the task. Using a nail set will help you finish the job without leaving any trace of a hammer. Put the nail set on the nail head and gently start tapping it with the hammer until the nail goes all the way inside the quarter round.
b. Installing Quarter Round Using Adhesive
Another option could be using an adhesive. You can use wood glue that is suitable for quarter rounds of wooden work. This method is more accessible and less time-consuming compared to using a hammer. With that said, this process can be less long-lasting than the previous one.
- First, you need to prepare the quarter rounds according to the walls or baseboards, like a hammer. You might need to take measurements and cut the quarter-round molding accordingly.
- Now, determine the quarter round side that should place against the baseboard-after that, using sandpaper, sand that side. Making that side rough will lead to holding the adhesive better.
- After sanding one side, put adhesive on that side. Use a substantial amount of glue on the quarter round.
- Place the adherent side on the baseboard and hold it tightly. Ensure that the end of the quarter rounds ends on the corner and is tightly placed on the floor. Try to confirm there is no gap between the floor and quarter rounds and as little as possible between the wall and quarter rounds.
- Hold the quarter round for a few minutes until the adhesive dries. After that, you can move on to the next step.
Important: If you want to set up a baseboard with a nail gun, check out this guide on how to nail a baseboard with a nail gun.
Step 4: Apply Sealant on Gaps and Holes
No matter which method you follow between the two discussed above, both can have gaps between the quarter round and the wall. If you use the hammer, there could be some dents or marks too.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Moreover, the nail head shown on the wooden surface does not give an attractive look. Therefore, you can use a sealant to hide any mistakes or damages.
Use a sealant in between the gaps of the wall and quarter-round molding. Put a generous amount at the beginning and then wipe away any excess. Please put some sealant on the shorter nails heads, too, or any dents.
Step 5: Paint and Sand as Finishing Touch
You can use sandpaper and sand any excess sealant. It will help smooth out the surface and enhance the perfectly done look.
You can also use paint to cover up any unwanted marks or discoloration on the molding. The color will camouflage any trace of untidy work.
Step 6: Clean Up the Area
Once you are done installing the quarter round, you must clean up the area. Sanding the quarter round can leave exceptionally some dirt particles. Any dirt or debris needs to remove; otherwise, it can damage the newly installed quarter round.
Dirt can also get attached to the adhesive. You should also remove any access adhesive, sealant, or paint.
Step 7: Repeat the Process
Repeat the steps upstairs to attach the remaining quarter rounds to your baseboard.
Best Way to Attach A Quarter Round Without A Nail Gun: 7 Useful Tips
- Gather all the necessary items before starting the job.
- Take your time measuring the quarter rounds before cutting them. Uneven quarter rounds can look unprofessional and messy.
- Ensure that the ends of the quarter rounds meet the edges of the walls.
- Practice hammering the nail hole a few times before the final attempt. Let the sealant have enough time to dry.
- Using the adhesive can be messy. Be prepared to clean glue while working.
- Wipe any access adhesive before it dries. Otherwise, removing it can be a challenge.
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To Conclude
With the accessibility of various tools, there is no need to rely on professionals or expensive power tools for simple carpentry jobs. With some practice and some standard tools, anyone can do these simple projects like installing quarter rounds.
Now that you learned How to Install Quarter Round Without a Nail Gun, installing quarter rounds is not that difficult.
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Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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