Understanding Glove Coatings: Coating Types and Coverage

Gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) across industries, from construction and manufacturing to food handling and healthcare. While the material of the glove matters, the coating applied to it often determines its performance, durability, and suitability for specific tasks. Understanding glove coatings can help you choose the right glove for your needs.

1. What are glove coatings?

Glove coatings are layers of material applied to the surface of gloves, usually on the palm, fingers, or the entire glove. These coatings enhance the glove’s properties, such as grip, abrasion resistance, cut protection, or chemical resistance. Different coatings provide different levels of performance, depending on the material and manufacturing process.

2. What are common types of coatings?

The most commonly used glove coatings include:

1.1 Nitrile

Nitrile-coated gloves are known for their oil resistance and chemical resistance. This synthetic rubber material is also praised for its abrasion resistance, making it suitable for handling rough materials. However, users should be aware of their potential to cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

1.1.1 What are different Nitrile coatings?

There are 2 main nitrile coatings - flat and foam. The foam coating is split into 2 categories because there are both regular foam nitrile coatings and microfoam nitrile coatings There is only one type of flat nitrile coating, and the same goes for the sandy nitrile gloves.

Flat Nitrile

Pros: very durable, unrivalled grip in dry conditions, water resistant, economical

Cons: reduced grip in wet conditions 

Sandy Nitrile

Pros: high abrasion resistance, excellent in oily + wet conditions, more durable than standard Nitrile, resistance from arc flashes.

Cons: more expensive, less breathable, uses salt/sand and very high-water usage to manufacture, less flexible and tactile – can reduce dexterity. 

Foam Nitrile

Pros: excellent grip in wet and oily conditions (spreads oil across its greater (rougher) surface area due to the foaming (larger bubbles...greater surface area to soak up the oil), cheaper

Cons: not as good grip as microfoam in wet and oily conditions less dexterity due to thicker layer of nitrile (Microfoam is thinner)

Microfoam Nitrile

Pros: excellent grip in wet, dry and oily conditions, very durable, high abrasion resistance, very comfortable and good fit, high stretch and tactility, more breathable

Cons: more expensive than flat nitrile (10-20% more), can start to flake, can get saturated in oily conditions

Wavy/Crinkled Nitrile

Pros: excellent grip in dry and wet conditions, enhanced abrasion resistance, flexible and comfortable fit, cost-effective

Cons: slightly thicker coating may reduce tactile sensitivity, not ideal for precision handling

1.1.2 Which scenarios are each coating suited to?

Flat Nitrile: construction, automotive, engineering and manufacturing

Sandy Nitrile: high abrasion tasks, offshoring, construction

Foam Nitrile: oil and gas, construction and utility

Microfoam Nitrile: fine assembly work, automotive, construction and utility, warehousing and logistics

1.2 Polyurethane (PU)

Gloves with a polyurethane coating stand out for their tactile sensitivity and skill, as the material allows for a thin coating layer. While offering good abrasion resistance and a solid grip in dry conditions, their performance in wet environments may be moderate.

1.2.1 What are different PU coatings?

Oil-based and water-based polyurethanes are two versions.

Water-based Polyurethane

Pros: lightweight and flexible, excellent dexterity, low odor, environmentally friendly, comfortable for long wear

Cons: lower abrasion resistance, less durable in heavy-duty applications, limited oil resistance

Oil-based Polyurethane

Pros: high abrasion resistance, strong and durable coating, good oil resistance, cost-effective for heavy-duty use

Cons: reduced flexibility, stronger odor, higher VOC content, less environmentally friendly

1.2.2 Which scenarios are each coating suited to?

Water-based PU: light assembly, electronics, precision tasks, light industrial work, food handling

Oil-based PU: heavy-duty tasks, construction, logistics, industrial work, oil and chemical handling

1.3 Latex

Latex provides excellent elasticity and flexibility, contributing to a firm grip and overall dexterity. Although latex gloves are generally well-accepted for their comfort and tactile sensitivity, they can provoke allergic reactions in certain people.

1.4 Neoprene

Neoprene-coated gloves excel in chemical protection and maintain flexibility across various temperatures, including extreme weather conditions. Neoprene’s barrier properties are considered robust, especially in scenarios demanding extensive chemical contact.

3. What are glove coatings coverage?

Gloves can either be palm coated or fully coated depending on the intended end use. The level of dip coverage can be completely controlled in the manufacturing process.

Palm Coated: coating only on palm and fingers

3/4 Coated: palm, fingers, and part of back of hand

Fully Coated: entire glove surface is coated

Double Dipped: two layers or two materials for different performance effects

Dotted: Dots of coating applied to the palm or fingers

Reinforced Thumb Crotch: Strengthens the area between the thumb and index finger, enhancing durability in high-wear zones and extending glove lifespan

Choosing the right glove coating is essential for both safety and performance. By understanding the differences between PU, nitrile, latex, and their various applications, you can select gloves that provide the best protection, grip, and durability for your specific tasks. Investing time in selecting the right coating ensures not only hand safety but also comfort and efficiency on the job.