Coated Gloves

Understanding Coated Work Gloves: When and What to Use

In industrial, construction, gardening, and cleanroom environments, protecting hands is essential. Coated work gloves are widely used to improve grip, durability, and chemical or abrasion resistance. But with various types—rubber-coated, PU-coated, latex-coated—it’s important to know when and which to choose. This article answers common questions about coated gloves and explains the glove manufacturing process.


When Should You Wear Rubber Coated Gloves?

Rubber coated gloves are ideal for tasks that require:

  • High grip strength in wet or oily environments.

  • Resistance to abrasions, cuts, and punctures.

  • Protection from water or mild chemicals.

Common uses include:

  • Construction and masonry

  • Landscaping and gardening

  • Heavy-duty material handling

  • General-purpose warehouse work

OSHA Guidelines: According to OSHA, rubber-coated gloves should be worn when working with rough surfaces, sharp edges, or potential chemical splash hazards, but they are not recommended for working with strong solvents or heat sources.


What Are PU (Polyurethane) Coated Gloves?

PU coated gloves have a polyurethane coating, usually on the palm or fingertips. They are:

  • Lightweight and flexible

  • Highly breathable, reducing sweat

  • Perfect for precision tasks

Applications include:

  • Electronics assembly

  • Small parts handling

  • Cleanroom environments

  • Inspection tasks

These gloves offer excellent tactile sensitivity, making them a popular choice in industries where control and dexterity matter more than heavy protection.


What Are Latex Coated Gloves?

Latex coated gloves feature a natural rubber coating that is:

  • Durable and elastic

  • Highly resistant to tears and punctures

  • Grippy in dry and slightly wet environments

Best suited for:

  • Construction

  • Tile or brick laying

  • Agriculture and yard work

Note: Latex can cause allergic reactions in some users, so alternatives like nitrile or PU-coated gloves may be required in sensitive workplaces.


What Are Polyurethane Coated Gloves?

Polyurethane coated gloves, also known as PU gloves, are designed for delicate, controlled environments. They are made with a polyester or nylon liner and have a thin polyurethane coating that provides:

  • Excellent abrasion resistance

  • Minimal lint and contamination

  • Superior comfort for long wear

These gloves are commonly used in:

  • Semiconductor and PCB assembly

  • Automotive and aerospace industries

  • Quality control and packaging


What Are Coated Work Gloves?

Coated work gloves are fabric gloves (typically cotton, nylon, or polyester) with an added protective coating on the palm, fingers, or entire surface. Coating materials include:

  • Latex

  • Nitrile

  • PU (Polyurethane)

  • PVC

Each coating offers unique protection properties—some more chemical-resistant, others more abrasion-resistant. The choice depends on the job requirements.


Glove Manufacturing Process Overview

  1. Liner Knitting: A seamless liner is knitted using materials like nylon, cotton, or HPPE.

  2. Cleaning and Drying: The liner is washed and dried to remove impurities.

  3. Coating: Gloves are dipped or sprayed with latex, nitrile, PU, or PVC.

  4. Curing: Coated gloves are cured at high temperatures to solidify the coating.

  5. Quality Inspection: Gloves are checked for defects, coating thickness, flexibility, and fit.

  6. Packaging: Gloves are folded, labeled, and boxed according to size and usage type.

Choosing the right coated glove depends on your specific work environment, risk factors, and the comfort level required. PU gloves offer flexibility and precision, latex gloves provide toughness and grip, while rubber-coated gloves are versatile for general labor. Understanding their differences helps ensure safety, efficiency, and user satisfaction on the job.

For more advice or bulk orders, contact us and explore our full range of coated gloves tailored to your needs.

How to Choose Coated Gloves ?

1. Determine Your Application Needs

Consider the primary use of the gloves:

  • For ESD-sensitive environments: Choose PU-coated ESD gloves with carbon fiber for excellent conductivity.

  • For mechanical or warehouse work: Use latex or nitrile coated gloves with superior grip and abrasion resistance.

  • For wet or oily environments: Opt for nitrile-coated gloves, known for oil resistance and durability.

  • For lightweight tasks and flexibility: PU-coated gloves offer superior dexterity and comfort.

2. Select the Right Coating

Each coating serves a specific purpose:

  • Polyurethane (PU): Lightweight, breathable, anti-slip; ideal for precision work.

  • Latex: Flexible, strong grip in dry environments; good for construction or landscaping.

  • Nitrile: Oil, grease, and chemical resistant; great for automotive or mechanical industries.

  • Rubber coating: General use; provides protection against light abrasions and cuts.

3. Consider Glove Fit and Comfort

Proper fit ensures productivity and hand protection. HORBEST gloves come in multiple sizes (S–XL) and feature elastic cuffs and seamless liners for maximum comfort during extended wear.

4. Evaluate Durability and Standards

Choose gloves that meet industry certifications like:

  • EN388 for mechanical resistance

  • REACH & RoHS for safety and sustainability

  • IEC-61340-5-1 for electrostatic protection (for ESD gloves)


Why Choose HORBEST Coated Gloves?

  • Decades of Expertise: Established in 1996 with full in-house glove manufacturing capabilities.

  • Premium Materials: Use of top-grade PU, nitrile, latex, and carbon fiber for enhanced performance.

  • Certified Quality: All gloves meet international standards (CE, EN388, IEC 61340, RoHS, REACH).

  • Wide Range: From PU fingertip gloves for electronics to latex-coated grip gloves for construction, we’ve got it all.

  • Custom Solutions: OEM and bulk orders supported, with branding and packaging options.


📞 Contact Us

Need help choosing the right coated gloves?

Email: sales2@esdbest.com
Phone: +86 137 1427 2599