--- title: Choosing the right glove coating and grip for your application url: "https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/knowledge-hub/glove-coatings-and-grips/" description: "When it comes to hand protection, the right glove coating can make all the difference. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for your needs?" date: 2025-07-17 modified: 2026-05-15 categories: - Hand protection locale: en_GB --- # Choosing the right glove coating and grip for your application ![Glove coatings and grips explained](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/scBhFEEluOK8prThwRFTbFp3YIyLLOXLJXZin2ANiYY/w:375/h:210/fn:Y3NtXzE5MjAtZ2xvdmUtY29hdGluZ3MtYW5kLWdyaXBzX2I5NmYzNDEzNDg:t/cb:e88e8b4d6677ce14fe40c384e2c3db3f16bcc72d/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/rt:fill/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2Jsb2cvZ2xvdmVzLzE5MjAtZ2xvdmUtY29hdGluZ3MtYW5kLWdyaXBzLmpwZz8xNzUyNzYzNjk4 "Glove coatings and grips explained") Choosing the right glove coating and grip for your application ================================================================ When it comes to hand protection, the right glove coating can make all the difference. Whether you're working in dry, wet, or oily environments, uvex offers a wide range of glove coatings designed to enhance grip, comfort, and safety. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for your needs? ### Why grip matters A glove’s grip isn’t just about holding onto tools, it’s about safety, control, and long-term well-being. Poor grip can lead to dropped tools, reduced precision, and even workplace injuries. But it also has a less visible impact: when grip is inadequate, workers often compensate by applying extra force, which can result in muscle strain, fatigue, and overexertion over time. That’s why uvex has developed a variety of coatings tailored to specific working conditions and hazards. By choosing the right glove coating for your environment, you can maintain a secure grip with less effort, helping to reduce physical stress on the hands and arms and support sustained performance throughout the day. Let’s explore the key uvex glove coatings and grip technologies to help you make an informed decision. [ ![Aqua-polymer foam](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/eby0KhLsphQdPFe_xJ_dXJwn6Mv83Kl7KRVrz39jbFU/w:537/h:358/fn:Y3NtXzcyMC1hcXVhLXBvbHltZXJfY2YwNzAyMTY2Ng:t/cb:85aaf529131a728def221758b48a518cfa1176a5/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2Jsb2cvZ2xvdmVzLzcyMC1hcXVhLXBvbHltZXIuanBnPzE3NTMyODc5MDI "Aqua-polymer foam") ](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?properties=01973b919ef073939032949442994786) Aqua-polymer foam ------------------- Solvent-free and dermatologically safe, the uvex aqua-polymer coating is a water-based solution that prioritises comfort and performance. It offers excellent dexterity and adapts to the natural shape of the hand, ensuring a secure, flexible fit for precision tasks and long-lasting **WEAR**ABILITY. [Browse products](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?f=1479) [ ![Xtra Grip (XG) aqua-polymer](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/38u0BXEirXGMFJqmlrCzySctJuztgi0m27AOVUdrVGA/w:537/h:358/fn:Y3NtXzcyMC14dHJhLWdyaXBfNDQ4N2Y4NzUwZQ:t/cb:a22ac799398cee7593214e32828c3079b7bdd04d/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2Jsb2cvZ2xvdmVzLzcyMC14dHJhLWdyaXAuanBnPzE3NTMyODc3ODU "Xtra Grip (XG) aqua-polymer") ](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?properties=01973b919ef873b3979c15361976f776) Xtra Grip (XG) aqua-polymer ----------------------------- Solvent-free and derma safe, the Xtra Grip water-based coating offers excellent dexterity for an exceptional grip in wet or oily situations. Its advanced formulation ensures long-lasting performance without compromising comfort, making it ideal for precision tasks in demanding environments. [Browse products](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?f=1482) [ ![Soft-grip foam](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/c-5DzwHDWPO1Kf9KtlHoE0L3EMlE-zpztATxxLyFHtY/w:537/h:358/fn:Y3NtXzcyMC1zb2Z0LWdyaXAtZm9hbV8xMTBhYTMyMGUy:t/cb:c2af1c93e9e039a18e2130dd2b07920925e189ca/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2Jsb2cvZ2xvdmVzLzcyMC1zb2Z0LWdyaXAtZm9hbS5qcGc_MTc1MzI4NzczOA "Soft-grip foam") ](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?properties=01973b919f0773fe81fd384cf0c1d340) Soft-grip foam ---------------- The uvex soft-grip foam coating offers a breathable, high-performance grip, ideal for dry and slightly damp environments. Its foam texture enhances tactile sensitivity and control, while the ergonomic, silicone-free design ensures comfort during extended wear. With excellent abrasion resistance and touchscreen compatibility, it boosts both safety and productivity making it a durable, cost-effective choice for precision tasks. [Browse products](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?f=1489) [ ![Micro foam nitrile](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/PhgtyGE5kDUtl6sSioQp1iHIauQawoqEW-0XVQRFYlI/w:537/h:358/fn:Y3NtXzcyMC1taWNyby1mb2FtLW5pdHJpbGVfZDk4MDdhNGExMA:t/cb:d269a0a24de60919f0b773cb0e3aa056f8a85bce/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2Jsb2cvZ2xvdmVzLzcyMC1taWNyby1mb2FtLW5pdHJpbGUuanBnPzE3NTMyODc3Mzg "Micro foam nitrile") ](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?properties=01973b919f7c7188aa433dc50de70e73) Micro foam nitrile -------------------- Formulated to be thinner than a nitrile foam coating, micro nitrile coatings can have a slightly tacky finish and feature good breathability and flexibility. [Browse products](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?f=2744) [ ![Sandy nitrile](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/xSncz5xcZ9Qij_aZIY37aZ2fUopNobURs_5L5kBaSSg/w:537/h:358/fn:Y3NtXzcyMC1zYW5keS1uaXRyaWxlXzc4YjIzMTc0OWQ:t/cb:e24b982c91c66f32560ce964c491f7234b5d2b96/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2Jsb2cvZ2xvdmVzLzcyMC1zYW5keS1uaXRyaWxlLmpwZz8xNzUzMjg3OTA0 "Sandy nitrile") ](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?properties=01973b919fa071499df8631088868ec6) Sandy nitrile --------------- Sandy nitrile is, of course, known for its high abrasion resistance. It’s also more elastic and form fitting compared to other nitrile coatings. It’s excellent in oily situations and very good in wet environments. [Browse products](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?f=3291) [ ![Hydro-Grip polymer](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/oIo5bOLCnjVC6spJ34aYWzvndG5HMi2OREr-gCYjxO8/w:537/h:358/fn:Y3NtXzcyMC1oeWRyby1ncmlwX2EyNGEzYzQzMGY:t/cb:798cf8f181646e473afd0de0d27b2234ab8340db/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2Jsb2cvZ2xvdmVzLzcyMC1oeWRyby1ncmlwLmpwZz8xNzUzMjg3MTc5 "Hydro-Grip polymer") ](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?properties=01973b919fa372ca8d25b0d53c032948) Hydro-Grip polymer -------------------- Unique to uvex, our innovative hydro-grip HG polymer provides the wearer with all the advantages of a NBR flat coat but eliminates the soapy nature of NBR when used in wet conditions. Ideal for wet applications when perfect grip is essential. [Browse products](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?f=16238) [ ![Polyurethane](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/Mea5neh1_Qa3M2erN2j3zUjyuSLCnM6aPxkgHwPcG6A/w:537/h:358/fn:Y3NtXzcyMC1wb2x5dXJldGhhbmVfMjA3YTA2NWM1NA:t/cb:5f45db37a9051360471a3b000fd30203c6881fa5/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2Jsb2cvZ2xvdmVzLzcyMC1wb2x5dXJldGhhbmUuanBnPzE3NTMyODc3Mzg "Polyurethane") ](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?properties=01973b919f0e706cbe28013f61168153) Polyurethane -------------- Polyurethane, or PU, is a lightweight, flexible, durable grip coating that features good abrasion and puncture resistance. This coating is incredibly popular and sufficient for a wide range of applications. However, with PU you will always get “strike through” which is the PU impregnating into the interior of the glove so that the PU is always in direct contact with the skin. [Browse products](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?f=1494) [ ![Natural rubber latex](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/rRP9AHNrMifL--WZh5sXp9SBDb1ReO90Wvko48jDmHQ/w:537/h:358/fn:Y3NtXzcyMC1uYXR1cmFsLXJ1YmJlci1sYXRleF81YzBiMTNiYWI2:t/cb:d0782d33a75819007dfe872c957a2ec5eae8fda2/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2Jsb2cvZ2xvdmVzLzcyMC1uYXR1cmFsLXJ1YmJlci1sYXRleC5qcGc_MTc1MzI4NzczOA "Natural rubber latex") ](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?properties=01973b919f88724e9f49608292209cb0) Natural rubber latex ---------------------- Natural rubber latex is flexible, more resistant to abrasion compared to PU and nitrile, but has minimal tackiness. Natural rubber latex features an excellent dry grip. [Browse products](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?f=3067) [ ![Flexible polymer](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/Vj3fyKGJY2FCrRLQBWBqfv-swPjWSOkZ3H2fUjNqzCM/w:537/h:358/fn:Y3NtXzcyMC1mbGV4aWJsZS1wb2x5bWVyX2NlN2E4MjBjNDY:t/cb:06195ddd4f9f87af70ab2c42979f009871cfba16/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2Jsb2cvZ2xvdmVzLzcyMC1mbGV4aWJsZS1wb2x5bWVyLmpwZz8xNzUzMzQ2MzYw "Flexible polymer") ](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?properties=01973b919f1c715a8f110cd93e200aee) Flexible polymer ------------------ Flexible polymer is designed to provide both durability and dexterity in cold working environments. This coating remains highly flexible even at low temperatures, ensuring that the gloves do not stiffen in the cold. It offers excellent grip in dry and slightly damp conditions, while also delivering good mechanical abrasion resistance. [Browse products](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/?f=1774) ### Expertise from Lüneburg With so many choices for grip options, many workers find their favourite through trial and error. While some grips are superior to others in certain applications, choosing a grip ultimately comes down to personal preference. From the oil rig to the warehouse or job site – uvex’s breadth of grip options provides workers with the high flexibility, durability, and breathability needed to stay productive. | **Coating** | **Example product** | **Oily grip** | **Dry grip** | **Flexibility** | **Durability** | **Health protection** | **Key features** | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | **uXT-NBR** (uXT) | [uvex Bamboo TwinFlex® F uXT1](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/uvex-bamboo-twinflex-f-uxt1-60095-UK/) | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | Grip, flexibility, cost-in-use | | **XtraGrip-NBR** (XG) | [uvex Bamboo TwinFlex® D XG](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/uvex-bamboo-twinflex-d-xg-60090-UK/) | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | Cost-in-use, grip | | **SoftGrip-NBR** (SG) | [uvex Bamboo TwinFlex® D SG](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/uvex-bamboo-twinflex-d-sg-60092-UK/) | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | Flexibility, tactility, cost-in-use | | **Foam-NBR** (foam) | [uvex phynomic foam](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/uvex-phynomic-foam-60050-UK/) | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | Flexibility, grip | | **Micro-Foam-NBR** | [uvex athletic lite xt](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/uvex-athletic-lite-xt-60026-UK/) | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | Flexibility, tactility | | **HydroGrip aqua-polymer** (HG)) | [uvex profi pure HG](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/uvex-profi-pure-hg-hydro-grip-60023-UK/) | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ (water grip) | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | Water grip, impermeability | | **SandyGrip-NBR** | [HexArmor Helix 3014IMP](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/hexarmor-helix-3014imp-60704-UK/) | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | Flexibility, cost-in-use | | **Polyurethane** (PU) | [uvex unipur 6631](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/products/safety-gloves/uvex-unipur-6631-60944-UK/) | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ | ⬤ ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 | ⬤ ⬤ 〇 〇 〇 | Oily grip | --- #### Got a question? We’re here to help ![Contact the uvex team](https://d3rbxgeqn1ye9j.cloudfront.net/images/T5U_GmxnLchSeyDnVIlddHYgQOLOUWMt46lT1Q1pVUY/w:537/h:134/fn:Y3NtXzgwMC1jb250YWN0LWdsb3Zlc19hYmJkOTIyNDk0:t/cb:474bd52c5927c5985f4bc4886e7e68dcde489235/el:1/fq:jpeg:85:avif:70:webp:80/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3JieGdlcW4xeWU5ai5jbG91ZGZyb250Lm5ldC9maWxlYWRtaW4vd3d3LnV2ZXgtc2FmZXR5LmNvLnVrL01lZGlhL2Jsb2cvZ2xvdmVzLzgwMC1jb250YWN0LWdsb3Zlcy5qcGc_MTc3OTI5MTkxNA "Contact the uvex team") Looking for further guidance? ------------------------------- Choosing the right PPE can make all the difference when it comes to safety, comfort, and compliance. If you’d like tailored advice or want to trial uvex products in your environment, get in touch via our quick contact form or email [marketing@uvex.co.uk](mailto:marketing@uvex.co.uk?subject=Choosing%20the%20right%20glove%20coating%20and%20grip%20%7C%20Knowledge%20hub&body=I%20have%20a%20question%20about...). #### FAQ's What is the best glove coating for grip? --------------------------------------------- The best glove coating for grip depends on the working environment. Polyurethane (PU) coatings provide excellent grip in dry or slightly oily conditions and offer high dexterity. Nitrile coatings are more robust and perform well in oily environments, offering a secure grip and abrasion resistance. Latex coatings are ideal for dry or wet conditions where strong grip and flexibility are required. Which glove coating is best for oily conditions? ----------------------------------------------------- Nitrile-coated gloves are typically the best choice for oily or greasy environments. The coating repels oil and maintains grip even when handling slippery components, making it a reliable option for automotive, engineering, and manufacturing applications. What is the difference between PU and nitrile glove coatings? ------------------------------------------------------------------ PU (polyurethane) coatings are lightweight and flexible, offering excellent tactile sensitivity and precision handling, making them ideal for fine assembly tasks. Nitrile coatings are thicker and more durable, providing enhanced resistance to oils, abrasions, and mechanical wear, which makes them better suited to more demanding industrial applications. Should I choose palm-coated or fully coated gloves? -------------------------------------------------------- Palm-coated gloves provide grip and protection across the palm while leaving the back of the hand breathable, making them suitable for general handling and tasks requiring dexterity. Fully coated gloves offer more complete protection against liquids, oils, and contaminants, making them better for harsher environments where full coverage is needed. --- [Back to Knowledge hub](https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/knowledge-hub/)