In my more than 20 years of manufacturing work gloves, I’ve seen nitrile-coated gloves dominate the market. They’re widely used in various industries, but like any product, they have downsides. If you’re wondering whether nitrile gloves are the best option for your work, it’s crucial to weigh both their advantages and disadvantages.

Nitrile-coated gloves are durable and protective, but they have drawbacks like poor breathability and vulnerability to certain chemicals.

Are nitrile gloves the right fit for your needs? Let’s break down the key issues so you can decide.

What Should You Not Use Nitrile Coated Gloves With?

Nitrile-coated gloves¹ provide solid protection, but they aren’t suitable for every situation. So, when should you avoid using them?

Nitrile-coated gloves shouldn’t be used with strong solvents² like acetone, toluene, and gasoline, as these chemicals degrade the material, reducing protection.

While nitrile gloves offer excellent chemical resistance³, they aren’t immune to all substances. Here are some materials that can break them down:

If your work involves handling harsh chemicals, opt for gloves designed for those specific hazards, like butyl rubber or neoprene gloves.

What Are the Disadvantages of Nitrile Coated Gloves?

Nitrile gloves are known for being puncture-resistant and chemical-resistant, but they aren’t perfect. What should you be aware of?

The main disadvantages of nitrile-coated gloves include poor breathability⁴, which leads to sweaty hands, reduced comfort, and potential skin irritation during long use.

Because nitrile is a synthetic material, it doesn’t allow much air circulation. This means hands can get hot and sweaty, which can be uncomfortable over long shifts.

Here’s how this impacts different work environments:

Besides breathability issues, nitrile gloves may also suffer from:

• Puncture susceptibility⁵: While puncture-resistant, they can still tear when exposed to sharp or heavy objects.
• Degradation over time⁶: Prolonged exposure to UV light, heat, or harsh chemicals weakens the material.

If you need breathable gloves⁷, consider cotton-lined nitrile gloves or even leather gloves for some industrial settings.

Are Nitrile Coated Gloves Heat Resistant?

Heat resistance is critical in many industries. Are nitrile-coated gloves suitable for high temperatures?

Nitrile-coated gloves are not heat-resistant⁸. They can handle up to 100°C (212°F) but will degrade under higher heat. For better protection, use Kevlar or leather gloves⁹.

Here’s a comparison of heat-resistant glove materials:

For any task involving direct heat, nitrile gloves won’t provide enough protection. I recommend Kevlar or leather gloves instead.

Can You Wash Nitrile Coated Gloves?

I often get asked whether nitrile gloves can be washed to extend their lifespan. The answer is:

Yes, nitrile-coated gloves can be washed, but frequent washing can degrade the coating, reducing protection. Hand wash with mild soap and air dry to extend their lifespan.

Washing methods and their impact:

If your gloves require frequent washing, invest in thicker nitrile coatings or switch to reusable, industrial-grade gloves.

Are Nitrile Coated Gloves Waterproof?

When working in wet environments, waterproof gloves are a must. Are nitrile-coated gloves fully waterproof?

Nitrile-coated gloves are water-resistant but not fully waterproof. They repel light moisture but absorb water over time. For full waterproof protection, use PVC or rubber gloves.

Comparison of different glove materials for water resistance:

If you need gloves for prolonged water exposure, opt for PVC or rubber gloves instead.

Conclusion

Nitrile-coated gloves are excellent for many applications, but they have limitations. They:

• Aren’t heat-resistant and break down under high temperatures.
• Degrade when exposed to certain solvents like acetone and gasoline.
• Lack breathability, making them uncomfortable for long periods.
• Are only water-resistant, not fully waterproof.

Choosing the right gloves depends on your work environment. If you handle heat, strong chemicals, or extended water exposure, consider alternative materials like Kevlar, neoprene, PVC, or leather gloves.