I need cement for small repairs.
che-MEN-to — stress the second syllable; 'c' before 'e' is soft ('ch').
Use this when you need to fill small cracks in external walls, repair garden structures, or patch concrete. Italian ferramenta stock small bags of ready-mix products for household repairs.
Cemento (cement) in everyday speech often refers to ready-to-mix repair mortars rather than raw Portland cement. For small repairs, prodotti premiscelati (ready-mix products) like Malta rapida (fast-setting mortar) or Stucco da esterno (exterior filler) are easier than mixing from scratch. Specify the application — internal or external — and the size of the repair.
Malta rapida per riparare gradini rotti.
Fast-setting mortar for repairing broken steps.
Malta rapida sets in 15-30 minutes; ideal for urgent repairs.
Stucco acrilico per crepe nei muri interni.
Acrylic filler for cracks in interior walls.
Stucco acrilico (acrylic filler) is flexible and paintable; best for hairline cracks and small holes.
Intonaco da esterno per il rivestimento del muro.
Exterior render for wall coating.
Intonaco (render/plaster) for significant exterior repairs; requires some skill to apply.
Italy's historic building stock means ferramenta must stock products compatible with old materials — lime plaster (intonaco di calce), terracotta, natural stone, and brick — not just modern concrete. Calce (lime) is experiencing a major revival in Italian restoration work, as breathable lime plaster is required for buildings protected by the Soprintendenza (heritage authority).