The Best Guide to Textured Gloves

The inner surface of your gloves needs to be smooth and comfortable.

But have you ever thought about the glove’s outer surface? Textured gloves happen to have a rough outer surface.

Thus, throughout this article, we will examine textured gloves. How to manufacture them? Why and when to use them? And what are their types?

You will find all the information you need about disposable and reusable gloves.

Including the materials used for their manufacturing and their uses. Additionally, you will learn about the different types of reusable and disposable textured gloves.

We will also examine the available patterns found in the market. And finally, we will provide you with recommendations on the best gripping gloves. 

So, let’s not waste any more time and dive in!

What are textured gloves?

Have you ever examined the outer surface of a glove and noticed indentations? I am sure you have. These are what we call textured gloves. 

Unlike regular gloves, they have patterns on their outer surface. These patterns can be straight lines, sand-like exteriors, dots, or geometrical shapes.

Thus, you will find that there are 3 types of gloves: smooth, micro-roughened, and aggressively textured.

So, let’s differentiate between the three types.

• Smooth gloves

These gloves have no texture at all.

They can be manufactured using any glove material. However, some people mistakenly think that only vinyl gloves can be smooth. This can be attributed to the fact that it is rare to find a textured vinyl glove.

Still, smooth gloves can be manufactured using any glove material. Yet, these gloves are primarily suitable for the food industry, spas, and hair salons.

• Micro-roughened gloves

This type of texture is most common in manufacturing latex and nitrile gloves.

Micro-roughened nitrile gloves constitute 95% of manufactured nitrile gloves. These gloves will look as if they have tiny sand particles on their outer surface. 

Thus, this provides a moderate option between smooth gloves and aggressively textured gloves. This makes them suitable for the medical field.

Micro-roughened gloves will facilitate handling medical equipment but won’t irritate the patients.

• Aggressively textured gloves

This category includes all the highly textured gloves. The outer surface of these gloves is noticeably rough. They are also known as raised diamond textured gloves. They are also known as raised diamond textured gloves. 

Diamond textured gloves are used in several industries. For instance, they are pretty standard in the automotive industry. Thus, these gloves are mostly thicker than the previous ones. 

Bottomline

Textured gloves usually have indentations on their surface. These indentations can be like dots, lines, or geometrical shapes. According to the roughness of their outer shell, gloves can be divided into:

• Smooth
• Micro-roughened 
• Aggressively textured

The magic of making textured gloves

By now, you are probably wondering how they make the glove’s surface rougher.

The manufacturing process of textured gloves is a simple one. Disposable gloves are molded and dried. Then, they are either dipped or sprayed to form the outer textured layer.

On the other hand, reusable gloves made from knitting materials are sewn together first. Then, they are subjected to one of the two methods of texturing. 

Textured gloves manufacture method

• Dipping 

The gloves are dipped in a rubber and solvent solution.

After the dipping session, it is salt sprayed and then subjected to a wet environment to evaporate the solvent. This guarantees the formation of dents on the glove’s outer surface [1].

• Spraying 

Some gloves are intended to be thin.

Therefore, they will be sprayed instead of dipping them in a solution that will increase their thickness. Then, they will also be subjected to the same wet environment to create the textured outer surface [1]. 

In the two scenarios, the gloves are salt sprayed and washed to create the pattern found on the glove.

The shape of the salt crystals determines the texture’s pattern.

Bottomline 

Manufacturing textured gloves are pretty simple. An extra step is added to the end of the manufacturing process, where gloves are either dipped or sprayed.

Then, they are dried in a particular manner to create ridges. 

What are the uses of textured gloves?

These gloves are mainly used to enhance gripping.

’As it was found, liquids can pass through the ridges on the glove surface. This reduces spills and dripping. However, the rougher the glove’s surface, the more it can perform in wet conditions. 

Thus, texture increases the glove’s ability to handle and maneuver equipment and tools.

• Partially textured gloves

These are the gloves that have textured fingertips only.

These gloves are practical if you work in a peaceful environment. These gloves will be convenient when you are expected to maneuver small particles.

Uses of partially textured gloves:

These gloves can either be used in the food industry or in laboratories.

Both professions don’t require a firm grip. However, these gloves will reduce dripping as they are suitable for both wet and dry work environments.

• Fully textured gloves

The pattern in these gloves covers the glove’s fingertips, fingers, and palms. Therefore, they provide the optimum gripping ability. Additionally, they are more than well-suited for wet conditions.

 Uses of fully textured gloves:

These gloves can be used in the medical field if they are micro-roughened. At the same time, the aggressively textured gloves are suitable for industrial purposes.

They can be used for handling glass and metal, manufacturing, carpentry, construction, or even automotive. 

Bottomline

Textured gloves are meant to enhance the glove’s gripping property.

Therefore, depending on your profession, you can choose between partially and fully textured . We recommend a fully textured glove if you handle equipment requiring a firm grip.

Disposable vs. reusable textured gloves

Disposable and reusable gloves can be coated by an external layer that creates texture. However, each of these categories has different features and uses. 

Thus, let us explore both categories more thoroughly.

• Disposable textured gloves

These gloves are meant to be used once. They are then disposed of for the user’s safety. 

Materials used to make disposable textured gloves.

These gloves are manufactured using latex, nitrile, vinyl, and synthetic materials. Disposable textured gloves can be either sterile or non-sterile. Additionally, they can be chlorinated or non-chlorinated. 

1. Nitrile

Nitrile is the most popular material used to manufacture disposable textured gloves. The properties of nitrile make it an excellent choice for offering protection while maintaining grip.

Additionally, nitrile gloves have all the favorable latex features without causing severe allergies. These gloves are puncture and chemical-resistant. They provide the wearer with a snug fit.

Furthermore, textured nitrile gloves provide a better and enhanced grip. Thus, they can be used for medical or industrial purposes. 

For instance, textured nitrile gloves can be used in the food industry, clinics, or hospitals. Additionally, they can be used in the automotive industry and while handling machinery. 

However, a drawback to using textured nitrile gloves is that they might be more expensive than other types. Another disadvantage is that, in rare cases, nitrile can cause allergies.

2. Latex 

Latex is the only natural compound used in glove manufacturing. Therefore, latex gloves are a highly favorable choice as they are biodegradable. Additionally, latex gloves are smooth and more elastic.

However, latex gloves might cause latex allergies in some people. Sometimes it even takes long exposure for more than one time to trigger a reaction. 

Yet, the material provides the gloves with high tactile sensitivity, dexterity, and comfort. These features make textured latex gloves a worthy choice to consider. 

Textured latex gloves are used in the electronics industry due to their high flexibility.

Also, while manufacturing latex gloves, one might skip the chlorination step to preserve the tackiness of the gloves. This tackiness is also considered a gripping enhancer.

3. Vinyl 

A textured vinyl glove is a highly unique thing. Vinyl gloves are known for their smooth outer surface. 

Vinyl is a synthetic material that is less elastic than nitrile and latex. It is mainly derived from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, these gloves don’t provide the best puncture resistance. 

Yet, textured vinyl gloves are adequate for janitorial work, ass vinyl seems resistant to mild chemicals. 

Additionally, these gloves are low-cost and provide an excellent physical barrier.

Thus, they can be used in work environments where it is essential to change your gloves regularly. These environments include grocery stores, cafeterias, catering food-processing operations, and beauty & salon use.

However, a significant drawback to textured vinyl gloves is that they are non-sterile. These gloves can permeate pathogens. 

Thus, threatening the user’s safety and those who interact with him. 

Additionally, they can be loosely fit, making them a hazard in some situations. 

• Synthetic materials

Among the synthetic materials used to manufacture gloves are Neoprene and Polyisoprene. Both materials are considered expensive when compared to other available options.

However, these gloves provide a better fit, sensitivity, and flexibility. They can also be used when handling bodily fluids because of their low permeability. 

Furthermore, using synthetic gloves helps you avoid latex sensitivity.

Bottomline

Nitrile is the most popular material used to manufacture textured gloves. On the other hand, the smoothness of vinyl makes it the least favorite choice for textured gloves. 

Additionally, latex has a superior grip before texturing. This can be attributed to the tackiness of the natural rubber. 

Types of disposable textured gloves

Textured disposable gloves can be used in several industries. Therefore, they are manufactured with different features to provide a variety of choices.

Sterile textured gloves

Sterile textured gloves are subjected to high temperatures, chemical solvents, or radiation. This step ensures the removal of all pathogens from the glove’s surface.

Thus, these gloves are used as examination gloves in hospitals and clinics. For instance, sterile gloves offer optimum protection if you have to draw blood. Additionally, they can be used for minor procedures or in the food industry. 

• Non-sterile textured gloves

These gloves are used when there is no fear of cross-contamination. They can be used when you don’t have blood or bodily fluids.

Thus, they can be used for janitorial work or by mechanics. They can also be used in the manufacturing of electronics and labs. 

• Surgical textured gloves

Performing a surgical procedure is a sensitive and delicate task.

Therefore, a physician needs to be protected but also needs to be able to move freely. Surgical textured gloves will give a physician the grip required to handle surgical equipment.

Additionally, it will increase tactility, thus facilitating double gloving.

• Textured chemotherapy gloves

Chemotherapy gloves are an essential PPE to protect against hazardous chemicals. Spills and dripping when handling such chemicals should be avoided at all costs.

Therefore, using a textured chemotherapy glove is the optimum choice. These gloves will reduce dripping. And the firm grip offered by these gloves will reduce the risk of spilling.

• Chlorinated textured gloves

Latex textured gloves are usually chlorinated to facilitate their donning. Chlorination offers the gloves a smoother surface. 

Therefore, not all textured gloves are subjected to chlorination. 

Bottomline 

Disposable textured gloves can be found as sterile or non-sterile examination gloves.

You can also find textured surgical gloves that preserve tactility during surgeries. Furthermore, textured chemotherapy gloves are an excellent choice to reduce dripping and spiling. 

Reusable textured gloves

Reusable gloves are intended to be used more than once. Therefore, they are manufactured using durable materials. 

Materials used to manufacture reusable textured gloves

Furthermore, most textured gloves are coated to enhance their effectiveness. Thus, adding a textured surface to these gloves enhances their gripping ability. 

So, let’s examine the materials used to manufacture reusable textured gloves.

• Leather

Natural leather, like goatskin leather, has excellent tensile strength. Additionally, using genuine leather offers excellent user grip and tactile sensitivity. 

These gloves can be used in carpentry and wood carving. Additionally, they can be used on construction sites and in welding metals.

• Synthetic leather

Synthetic leather offers almost the same level of protection as natural leather. The gloves are abrasion and cut resistant. However, textured synthetic leather gloves have a higher grip. 

Synthetic leather textured gloves prove superior in dry, wet, and even oily conditions.

• Silicone

Textured silicone gloves are heat and abrasion resistant. Additionally, these gloves are highly elastic and durable. You will find that silicone gloves have an obvious pattern on their surface. This guarantees their ability to grip objects effectively. Since these gloves are dishwasher safe, they are used in cleaning.

• Nitrile

Nitrile is the most common material used to manufacture reusable textured gloves. These gloves are much thicker than disposable ones. However, they retain most of the features possessed by disposable nitrile gloves.

Therefore, they have superior grip, dexterity, and elasticity. Thus, they can be used for cleaning purposes. 

However, they can also be used by mechanics and heavy-duty workers.

• Latex

Reusable latex gloves can be textured as well. The tacky nature of latex already provides it with a proper grip. However, adding a pattern to the glove’s outer surface increases your levels of protection.

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC gloves are resistant to grease and oils.

Therefore, their gripping power doubles by adding a texture to these gloves. These gloves are also suitable for dry, wet, and oily environments. 

• Cotton

Athletes usually use cotton gloves.

They are soft and comfortable, and the outer texture allows for better sensitivity. Additionally, they ensure that you will never slip while practicing. 

• Polyurethane 

Polyurethane is flexible and offers resistance against abrasions.

Thus, polyurethane-textured and coated gloves offer a high level of protection. Additionally, these gloves are excellent for maintaining a firm grip.

• Kevlar

Kevlar is used to manufacture cut and heat-resistant gloves. These gloves are used by firefighters, welders, and on construction sites. Therefore, coating these gloves and having them textured is a great advantage. 

Bottomline 

Several materials are used to manufacture reusable textured gloves.

These materials are usually cut and abrasion resistant. At the same time,e some of them are heat and fire-resistant. 

Thus, these gloves are used to perform hazardous tasks like welding metals, handling glass, and fixing cars. The textured surface of these gloves facilitates the process of handling equipment. 

Types of reusable textured gloves

Reusable textured gloves are usually coated to increase their grip. They can be covered using latex, nitrile, or polyurethane. 

Latex-coated gloves:

Latex-coated gloves are suitable for wet and dry work settings. Latex coating can take one of the following forms:

• Foam
• Flat
• Crinkle

The glove’s gripping ability increases when using foam or crinkle-coated gloves.

Advantages of latex coating

• Flexible
• High skill.
• Optimal gripping
• Highly durable 
• Cut and abrasion resistance
• Heat resistance 

Disadvantages of latex coating

Latex can cause allergies. Thus, latex-coated gloves can be used in wood carving and metal fabrications.

Nitrile coated gloves

It would be best to consider nitrile coating to increase your glove’s cut and abrasion resistance. Additionally, the chemical resistance of nitrile makes the coated glove chemically resistant.

Nitrile coating can be:

• Foam 
• Flat

Advantages of nitrile coating

• Resists cuts and abrasions
• Adequate chemical resistance
• Non-slippery
• Foamed gloves have a superior grip
• Resists extreme temperatures
• Breathable 

Thus, they can be used in the automotive industry or metal fabrication. Additionally, it offers an excellent grip in both wet and dry situations.

Polyurethane coated gloves

Polyurethane is the best flexible coating material. It preserves tactile sensitivity while ensuring the hand’s safety. 

Advantages of PU coating

• Resists oil, fat, grease, and gasoline
• Highly breathable
• Comfortable

• Minimal particulate shedding
• Superior dexterity and grip
• Resists abrasions
• Affordable

Disadvantages of PU coating

• Provides protection and excellent grip only in dry environments.
• Withstand temperatures up to 79 OC.

PU-coated gloves can be used in manufacturing electronics due to their high sensitivity.

Bottomline 

Nitrile, latex, and polyurethane-coated gloves are highly resistant to abrasions. Additionally, these gloves are of higher grip. This is due to adding the coating layer to the regular glove material.

Take a closer look at the gloves’ pattern.

Different patterns are used for various industries. In this section, we view the other patterns found on these gloves.

Dots and blocks

This pattern offers high durability and exceptional grip. This pattern also maintains breathability. You might find this pattern on both sides of the glove.

• Sandy

This pattern is used when you are handling oily and sharp materials. This can be attributed to the rough surface of this pattern. 

• Rough

A rough pattern doesn’t have a regular shape. However, it increases abrasion and cut resistance. They can also be used in oily work environments.

• Raised diamond

This pattern is most commonly used in the food industry. Whether you are a chef or a waiter, using this pattern will improve your grip without harming sensitivity. 

• Honeycomb

This pattern is suitable for both wet and dry environments. Thus, it can be used in janitorial and maintenance applications.

Bottomline

The pattern on your gloves determines your ability to hold objects firmly. It will also determine whether you can use this glove in a wet or dry environment.

Four highly effective textured gloves

You will find several textured glove brands that are effective. These brands will provide you with the most effective grip.

Here are four recommendations that you might consider:

1. Faux leather heavy-duty firm grip gloves are used in demolition and construction.
2. Fingerless PU-coated firm grip gloves: you may use these gloves in manufacturing and inspecting electronics.
3. Nitrile disposable firm grip glove: these gloves can be used in the automotive industry to assemble cars. 
4. Latex-coated firm grip gloves can be used to handle glass and on construction sites.

Final thoughts

Textured gloves are mainly used to enhance grip and reduce dripping in wet conditions. Thus, the roughness of these gloves is what determines their gripping ability.

Additionally, the patterns found on their surface contribute to their effectiveness.

Therefore, before purchasing these gloves, determine the hazards you face during work. 

Furthermore, consider whether you will use these gloves in wet or dry conditions. Then, recheck the article to help you make an informed choice.