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PhrasesAt the Hardware StoreChe colla va bene per attaccare il legno?
A2

Che colla va bene per attaccare il legno?

Which glue is good for bonding wood?

Pronunciation

KOL-la — stress the first syllable; double 'l' gives a held sound before the vowel.

When to use it

Use this when you need to glue wood, whether for furniture repair or carpentry. Specifying 'for wood' helps the staff recommend the right product from Italy's wide range of adhesives.

What it means

Colla is the Italian word for glue or adhesive. Colla vinilica (PVA glue) is the standard wood glue for indoor use. Colla bicomponente (two-component/epoxy) is for structural bonds. Colla a caldo (hot glue) for quick, light-duty applications. Colla di contatto (contact adhesive) for bonding dissimilar materials. Supercolla (superglue) for quick repairs.

Variations

Colla vinilica per legno, resistente all'acqua.

Waterproof PVA wood glue.

For outdoor or kitchen applications, waterproof grades (D3 or D4) are essential.

Supercolla per piccole riparazioni.

Superglue for small repairs.

Supercolla (cyanoacrylate) is the Italian term for superglue; used for quick, small bonds.

Colla epossidica bicomponente per un incollaggio forte.

Two-part epoxy glue for a strong bond.

The strongest option; mixes two components that harden chemically.

Mini Dialogue

— Si è rotto il manico di una sedia in legno. Che colla uso? — Colla vinilica D3 per uso intensivo. Stringa bene con un morsetto e aspetti 24 ore prima di usarla. — Non ho un morsetto. — Gliene presto uno io. O usi del nastro adesivo forte come pressione provvisoria.

— The handle on a wooden chair has broken. Which glue do I use? — D3 PVA glue for intensive use. Clamp it tightly and wait 24 hours before using it. — I don't have a clamp. — I'll lend you one. Or use strong adhesive tape as temporary pressure.

Cultural Note

Italy has a long tradition of falegnameria (carpentry and cabinet-making), particularly in regions like Brianza (Lombardy), Matera (Basilicata), and the Veneto, where artisanal furniture production has flourished for centuries. This tradition means Italian ferramenta typically stock a sophisticated range of wood-working adhesives and finishing products unavailable in standard hardware shops elsewhere.