A Practical Guide to Dipped Work Gloves

Dipped gloves start with a flexible fabric liner, usually nylon or polyester, that’s coated with a layer of protective material like nitrile, latex, or polyurethane. This “dip” gives the glove its grip, durability, and resistance to hazards like oils, water, or rough surfaces. 

Though they may look similar, coatings make a real difference. The right dip affects comfort, performance, and longevity. Choosing wisely helps your team work safely and efficiently. 

Below are the most common coating types and where they shine. 

 

Polyurethane (PU): Grip Without Bulk 

When precision matters, polyurethane is a reliable choice. It’s light, flexible, and thin, giving workers the grip they need without getting in the way. PU-coated gloves allow for easy finger movement, which reduces strain and helps maintain speed and accuracy on detail-focused tasks. 

Best For: Assembly, inspection, and small-parts handling. PU gloves are common in electronics, aerospace, and light manufacturing where workers need precision without bulky material.

Keep in Mind: PU coatings don’t perform well in oily or wet environments. For jobs involving moisture or heavy abrasion, another coating may be more effective. 

 

Nitrile: The Workers of Glove Coatings

Nitrile is a dependable choice across a wide range of industries. It’s strong, durable, and available in multiple textures to provide grip in dry, oily, or wet conditions. 

Micro-Foam Nitrile: Soft, breathable, and textured for grip in oily environments. Great for auto work, hydraulic repair, or any job with slick surfaces

Sandy Nitrile: Has a gritty texture that helps grab greasy or wet parts. Useful in heavy equipment repair, fabrication, and shop environments. 

Smooth Nitrile: Slicker and more economical. Good for dry or light oily work where basic protection and grip are needed.

Best For: Automotive, metal stamping, general manufacturing, and machine maintenance. Nitrile handles oil and rough use better than most coatings. 

Keep in Mind: Smooth nitrile can feel less flexible, and all nitrile gloves tend to be warmer than PU. Matching texture to the task ensures comfort and performance. 

 

Latex: Grippy, Tough, but Not for Everyone 

Latex is known for its high grip strength and stretchiness. It performs well in rough, dry environments where workers need to keep a strong hold on heavy or uneven materials. It’s also a familiar choice on many job sites, thanks to its balance of durability and comfort. 

Crinkle Latex: The textured surface works like tire tread. Excellent for gripping rough, wet, or heavy materials. Often used on construction sites and masonry crews. 

Sandy Latex: Offers a finer grip with more flexibility. A good match for landscaping, tile work, or other tasks requiring better feel and comfort.

Best For: Construction, masonry, landscaping, and material handling. Latex provides strong grip and solid resistance to tearing on tough surfaces. 

Keep in Mind: Latex can cause allergic reactions in some workers. It also breaks down quickly when exposed to oil or grease, so it’s not ideal for mechanical work.

 

HPT: Reliable Grip When the Weather Turns 

When weather becomes a factor, HPT stands out. Designed to repel water while maintaining flexibility, it provides dependable grip and comfort even in cold, damp environments. 

Why Choose It: HPT is soft, flexible, and built to repel water. It forms a moisture barrier while keeping hands warm in cold, wet environments. Even in freezing temps, HPT stays flexible and easy to wear. 

Best For: Outdoor construction, winter road work, cold storage, and utility crews. It's also a good option for jobs with constant exposure to rain or damp surfaces.

Keep in Mind: HPT gloves are bulkier than PU or nitrile options. In tight spaces or fine assembly work, they may reduce touch sensitivity. 

HPT is a solid choice for cold, wet conditions, but protection doesn’t stop with coating type. Glove coverage also affects how well it holds up in different tasks. 

Full-Dip or Palm-Coated? Why Coverage Matters

Picking the right coating is only half the job. How much of the glove is dipped also plays a big role in comfort, protection, and overall wearability. 

Full-Dip Gloves: Coated front to back, including the fingers, palms, and back of the hand. This full coverage adds an extra barrier against liquids, chemicals, and grime, making them ideal for messy or high-risk tasks.

Palm-Coated Gloves: Only have dip on the palms and fingers. The backs stay uncoated, which allows for better airflow and helps keep hands cooler. This style works well in dry, warm environments where breathability matters more than full protection.

Once you’ve narrowed down the coating and coverage, the next step is choosing a glove that’s built to perform. That’s where Pyramex comes in.  

That’s why Pyramex designs our hearing solutions to remove barriers to safety. When workers are comfortable, they stay protected. When protection is easy to use, compliance improves. As a result, when products fit seamlessly into your safety program, your job as a safety leader gets easier. 

Pyramex Gloves: Built for the Work That Matters

We are dedicated to providing unmatched service, working closely with our distributor network to help you find the right solutions quickly and confidently. Whether your job calls for precision, oil resistance, or weather protection, our gloves are built to deliver dependable performance where it matters most. 

Explore our hand & arm protection index  or connect with a Pyramex distributor to learn more. We are here to help you equip your crew with protection that works as hard as they do.