Welding Gloves

Welding gloves

Welding gloves protect against the three hazards specific to welding work: radiant and convective heat, contact with hot metal and slag, and UV exposure from the arc. Within that, the right glove varies significantly by process — a TIG glove that gives a welder fine control over tungsten and filler rod is the wrong choice for stick welding, and vice versa.

Glove choice by welding process

• TIG welding — goatskin or kidskin, soft and lightweight for fine-motor control over the torch and filler wire. Shorter cuff (200mm), minimal insulation.
• MIG welding — medium-weight cowhide or pigskin, balancing dexterity with slag protection. Kevlar-stitched, 300mm cuff typical.
• Stick (MMA / SMAW) — heavy split cowhide or elk skin, maximum insulation for high-amperage work. Long gauntlet cuff (350–400mm), wool or cotton lining.
• Oxy-acetylene / heavy cutting — heavy leather or aluminised-back gloves rated for sustained high radiant heat.

Leather grades

Welding-grade leather is typically top-grain or split cowhide. Look for Kevlar stitching throughout — cotton or nylon stitching burns through before the leather does, causing glove failure at the seams. For high-heat processes, aluminised-leather gloves reflect radiant heat and extend service life significantly.

Linings

• Cotton lining — economical and breathable. Standard for MIG and general welding.
• Wool lining — maximum heat insulation; the choice for high-amperage stick welding.
• Kevlar lining — heat plus cut protection; used in mixed welding/grinding workflows.
• Unlined — TIG only; insulation would compromise dexterity.

Pairing with other PPE

Welding gloves are one component of a welding PPE kit. Pair with a proper welding helmet (see our faceshield range) and flame-resistant welding apparel for full coverage. For grinding and finishing work between welds, switch to a dedicated cut-resistant glove.

Standards & compliance

Welding gloves in this range meet AS/NZS 2161.4 (thermal protection), EN 388 (mechanical), EN 407 (heat), and EN 12477 (Type A for MIG/stick, Type B for TIG) where applicable. The EN 12477 classification is the welding-specific performance standard and should drive selection.

Frequently asked questions

Can one glove cover TIG, MIG, and stick?

No — the protection-versus-dexterity trade-off is too different. Most professional welders keep separate TIG gloves and MIG/stick gloves in their kit. A medium MIG glove is the closest "do-most-things" option but compromises both extremes.

How long do welding gloves last?

Depends heavily on process and duty cycle. TIG gloves may last 1–3 months; heavy stick gloves can last 6 months or longer. Retire when stitching is burnt through, leather hardens, or insulation degrades. Never continue welding with gloves showing heat-stiffened palms — the insulating properties are gone.

Can welding gloves be used for oven or furnace work?

Only if rated for sustained contact heat — check the EN 407 contact heat number (fourth digit). Standard welding gloves are rated for the specific heat profile of welding arcs, not prolonged contact with hot surfaces.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — trade accounts get 5% off RRP, and carton-quantity discounts apply across the welding glove range. Apply for a trade account →