Synthetic Coated Work Gloves

Synthetic-coated gloves

Knit-liner gloves with a palm coating are the default choice for warehousing, assembly, general trades, and light industrial work. They combine a seamless, breathable liner with a coated palm tuned to the task — PU for dry work, nitrile foam for oily conditions, latex for wet grip. High-volume, low-cost, and comfortable enough that workers actually keep them on.

Coating types

• Polyurethane (PU) — thin, smooth, breathable. The default for clean dry handling, assembly, and light industrial work. Low abrasion resistance compared to thicker coatings.
• Nitrile foam — porous coating that disperses oil and gives excellent grip on oily or wet metal. The standard choice for automotive, fabrication, and workshop use.
• Sandy nitrile — textured nitrile with higher grip for wet or oily handling. Lasts longer than foam under abrasion.
• Latex (crinkle) — excellent wet grip. Allergy considerations apply; nitrile alternatives exist for the same applications.
• Double-dip — palm plus partial back coating, extends abrasion zone to the knuckle crease.

Liner types

Most synthetic-coated gloves use a 13- or 15-gauge knit liner (nylon, polyester, or HPPE blend). The gauge is the needles per inch on the knitting machine — higher gauge means finer yarn and better dexterity. For cut-resistant versions, the liner is blended with Dyneema, Kevlar, or glass fibre; see our cut-resistant range.

Matching coating to task

• Clean, dry parts handling — PU palm on 15-gauge nylon.
• Oily workshop / engine work — foam nitrile on 13-gauge polyester.
• Outdoor / wet timber & concrete — latex crinkle or sandy nitrile.
• Freezer / cold-weather handling — double-dipped thermal liner ranges.

When to switch to something else

Synthetic-coated gloves don't replace chemical-resistant, cut-resistant, or thermal gloves — they have no chemical permeation data, limited cut rating, and no heat-contact rating. Match the glove to the highest risk of the task.

Standards & compliance

All products in this range carry EN 388 markings and AS/NZS 2161.2 certification for mechanical performance. The four-digit EN 388 code tells you abrasion, cut (coup test), tear, and puncture ratings at a glance — check the product page for the full mark.

Frequently asked questions

Are foam nitrile gloves suitable for food handling?

Generally no — foam nitrile palms are for industrial oily/wet grip, not food contact. For food-handling, use single-use disposable gloves rated to AS 2070.

How often should synthetic-coated gloves be replaced?

Retire when the coating wears through or the liner develops holes — typically 2–6 weeks for daily use, depending on abrasion exposure. Continuing to use a glove with coating wear-through exposes the liner and loses the grip properties you specified the glove for.

Can these gloves be washed?

Yes — most synthetic-coated gloves are machine-washable on cold with mild detergent. Air-dry; avoid tumble drying. Expect some coating stiffening after wash, but usable grip typically remains.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — this is a high-volume consumable category. Trade accounts get 5% off RRP, and carton-quantity discounts are substantial. Apply for a trade account →