How to Select the Right Pair of Colored Nitrile Gloves

Black nitrile gloves, green nitrile gloves, blue or purple nitrile gloves: is there really a difference? Get the facts about choosing colored nitrile gloves.

While nitrile gloves now completely dominate the disposable glove market in the workplace, color coding has become very prevalent in both the industrial and construction setting. Workers are being taught to use specific colors of nitrile gloves for certain work applications, making chemical exposure and product protection more of a visual aspect of the safety program (it's easier for co-workers and managers to see if employees are using the wrong disposable glove for a given application).

The healthcare industry commonly has different colors to ensure both user and patient safety for the most common disposable glove styles (nitrile, vinyl, and latex gloves). In health care, color coding can also be used to identify gloves that are medical/exam grade versus those simply listed as industrial grade.

Related: Choosing the right hand protection is important, especially for outdoor applications. Check out our handy Thinsulate gloves guide to learn more about Thinsulate.

What is Up with Colored Nitrile Gloves?

In general, nitrile glove color has nothing to do with the type of protection, so you need to carefully look at the packaging to consider the thickness and specific application (medical or industrial usage). Nitrile is excellent for many types of inks, solvents, chemicals, and grease; however, checking a safety data sheet or consulting with your glove supplier can help confirm you have the correct glove for the application.

There really is no limit as to the color selection of disposable nitrile gloves, so some employers are even letting employees select their own 'fun' colors to help encourage usage ' which can be a positive safety motivator in the workplace.

Another interesting concept is when workers are double gloving (added protection), making it easier to identify when an outer glove is torn or ripped during use (using a darker glove underneath a light-colored glove) to prevent the spread of chemical contaminants to the hands or bloodborne pathogens in a first aid scenario (or healthcare setting).

The attributes that really matter pertain more to the reason the gloves are used (industrial or medical gloves), not so much the aesthetic purposes of the gloves. Some workers or patients might have a latex allergy. In these instances, a 100% latex-free glove is ideal. The varieties of nitrile gloves can also be powdered or powder-free nitrile, and have a specific thickness (i.e. 4 mil gloves).

Related: For more detailed information on how to select your next pair of nitrile gloves, be sure to check out our full disposable nitrile gloves selection guide here.

Blue Nitrile Gloves

Blue nitrile gloves are far and away the most common color of nitrile gloves (specifically light blue). Blue nitrile gloves might be approved with an exam rating or medical grade (for blood exposure) or could be just an industrial-rated variety. There are indeed several shade variations of blue to consider. When disposable nitrile gloves first hit the market in the s, the light 'powdered' blue color was exclusively used to indicate their difference from a disposable latex or vinyl glove.

In the healthcare world, blue nitrile exam gloves are among the most common. Examination gloves aren't always blue and can be combined in a double glove combo to determine if their glove has been compromised.

White Nitrile Gloves

White is the common industry standard for a 'cleanroom glove.' In a cleanroom environment, workers need to see contaminants readily and white does help promote the 'clean' message to workers. As you can imagine, color is an additive, and white contains less dye than other colors, reducing the risk of unwanted reactions (to the product or process).

Skin reactions to the dye in nitrile gloves are actually quite rare. While white nitrile gloves are the most common choice in cleanroom applications, blue nitrile gloves are sometimes used to provide more contrast, making it easier for workers to perform their jobs well.

Black Nitrile Gloves

Black nitrile gloves have become quite popular in recent years and are used in a wide range of industrial environments. The color black is very popular with tattoo artists, hairdressers or any job requiring a polished-looking glove (something that stands out). Black gloves are commonly promoted as 'tougher,' but that is only an attribute if the glove is actually thicker than other styles (which they generally are).

We see a lot of mechanics preferring black nitrile gloves, which don't show the dirt or grease as readily (possibly encouraging an employee to wear them longer). Meat processors, veterinarians, and even certain medical applications consider black nitrile gloves as a way of concealing blood and/or bodily fluids. Law enforcement also prefers black nitrile gloves to stand out when responding to medical emergencies in contrast to other medical-oriented first responders.

Related: Some mechanics gloves come in black. Learn more about mechanics gloves in our article here.

Green Nitrile Gloves and Showa Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves

Not all, but some versions of green nitrile gloves might be used to indicate it is a biodegradable product (such as Showa biodegradable nitrile gloves). However, you need to be careful when shopping for green nitrile gloves, as most 'reusable' (thicker) nitrile gloves are green in color, but would not be considered biodegradable.

The Showa GreeN-Dex was the world's first disposable nitrile glove that is biodegradable when discarded in biologically active landfills and the packaging of this glove is made from either recycled paper or 100% post-consumer waste. It is a win-win for everyone when having a disposable safety product that is good for the environment!

Kimberly-Clark Purple Nitrile Gloves and Other Glove Colors

Other more 'exotic' colored nitrile glove options on the market include: Purple, pink, yellow, lime, orange, red, gray, and dark blue. Kimberly-Clark Purple Nitrile Gloves are particularly popular with healthcare and medical/dental office workers. Of course, there can be subtle (or significant) shade differences based on the brand and style. My suggestion is to call us if you have a need for a specific color and we can investigate.

Final Thoughts on Colored Nitrile Gloves

While color really does not affect the type of protection you get from a disposable nitrile glove, it does serve a variety of purposes in the workplace:

• Color-coding based on work department, application or process decided by the employer
• Easier visibility of contaminants (or to hide contaminants based on darker color)
• Quicker verification of a glove tear when double-gloving (2 different shades)
• Better employee acceptance of wearing PPE and to make the job more enjoyable (employees are happier when they have a say in their PPE selection!)

The biggest takeaway is to make sure you have the correct type of disposable colored glove (and thickness) for the task at hand. If employees are complaining about sweating or rashes under the glove, consider trying a thin liner glove (which makes using disposable gloves more comfortable).

Our Safety Support Team can help discuss your application and ensure your workers are protected no matter which disposable colored nitrile gloves you select.

While the world of disposable gloves is expansive, not all gloves are created equally. With any glove, thickness has a surprising impact on the kinds of jobs it can handle. The thickness of gloves comes down to the thickness of their materials, which determines the amount of protection they can give ' be it nitrile, vinyl, or latex.

For more information, please visit titanfine.

Disposable gloves come in a range of thicknesses, so what kind should you choose? In a quick glance, with thin gloves, you lose greater protection but gain a lighter glove that provides more tactile sensitivity. With thicker material, you get an extremely durable glove and safer handling of hazardous materials.

Today's blog post takes a look at thickness is best for disposable gloves, be it nitrile gloves or latex gloves.

Why the Thickness of the Gloves Matter

Wearing the wrong gloves can affect the job you are doing, so choosing the best disposable gloves for the job is a big decision. Industrial and exam grade gloves have different needs, materials, thickness, and permeability. When purchasing disposable nitrile gloves for your use, it's important to determine what your task is, what kind of gloves you need, and be guided by those requirements. 

The appropriate gloves for your task make all the difference when completing a task. Whether you choose a nitrile glove or latex gloves, you must consider your requirement first. Hence, a 3-mil glove may be lighter than the four mils or five mils, but in practice, they feel just as sturdy'just be sure they are the correct thickness for your use. The same could go for the four mils versus the five mils'you don't want a glove that is too heavy for your specific process.

For example, thin latex gloves, such as those worn by surgeons, allow for greater dexterity, flexibility, and sense of touch. However, they are not durable enough to withstand the heavy use required in certain occupations, such as manufacturing which calls for thicker nitrile gloves.

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Thin or Thick Disposable Gloves: Which to Use?

Disposable gloves have many use cases, but these factors should help you decide what thickness works best for you. For a nitrile glove that pairs a balance between comfort and protection, people may want to opt for a midweight option. If a strong, puncture-resistant glove is the top priority, then a heavy-duty version might be necessary. But if you are looking for an economical option that will perform very specific tasks without sacrificing tactile sensitivity, thin latex or nitrile gloves may be right for you.

The important takeaway is that there are multiple options to consider; don't let the rumor of disposable nitrile gloves being inherently thick, deter you from using these versatile gloves for everything from working in your garden to keeping safe as you clean up after an oil spill. Thick and thin gloves each have their own pros and cons, but at the end of the day, it is a matter of appropriateness to the task you are about to take.

What is mil in Gloves?

Mil in gloves is a measurement that indicates the thickness of the glove material, expressed in thousandths of an inch. This measurement is crucial for determining the glove's durability, flexibility, and overall protective capabilities. For example, a glove with a 4 mil thickness is thinner, offering greater dexterity and tactile sensitivity, which is essential for tasks requiring precision, such as medical procedures or detailed assembly work.

On the other hand, a glove with an 8 mil thickness is much thicker and provides robust protection against punctures, abrasions, and chemical exposure, making it ideal for heavy-duty industrial environments. Understanding mil thickness allows users to choose the right glove for their specific needs, balancing protection with comfort and functionality.

When selecting gloves, it's important to consider the specific requirements of the task at hand. Gloves with a lower mil thickness may be sufficient for light-duty tasks where sensitivity and flexibility are key, but they may not offer the necessary protection in more hazardous conditions. 

Mils vs Microns

In America, glove thickness is usually expressed in mils, or thousandths of an inch. Contrary to popular belief, a mil is not the same as a millimeter'it's a unit of thickness equal to one-thousandth (.001) of an inch. 

However, other countries use Micro Meters (Microns), a unit of length equal to one-millionth of a metre. So if you are in another country shopping for disposable gloves, the number of microns indicated is its level of thickness. 

The Best Thickness for Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves generally range from 4-15 mils thick. While the current glove standard is 3 mil thick and premium ones are 5 mil or more, but they will need to be measured at the wrist, fingertips, and palm. Low-numbered gloves provide greater dexterity, flexibility and sense of touch than high-numbered gloves. High-numbered gloves provide greater durability, but lower flexibility than low-numbered gloves. 

• Under 2-mil thick gloves: 

These gloves are most often used for light-duty tasks. They are also economical and are suited to any food-prep tasks where you constantly need to change gloves.

• 3-mil or less thick gloves:

Gloves with a thickness of 3 mils or less are suited for jobs that do not require strong protection from chemicals or hazardous materials. Such gloves are preferred for applications requiring frequent glove changes in food service, janitorial, and salon & beauty applications.

• 4 to 6-mil thick gloves:

Thicker gloves, those measuring 4 mil to 6 mil, are created with more material and stronger materials and so can withstand greater tension. These are usually a nitrile glove and are a good choice for general duty and for heavier duty uses involving tools and machinery.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of White Nitrile Disposable Gloves. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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• 8-mil and above thick gloves: 

Those gloves rated 8 mils and above are suited for heavy-duty work and specialized tasks, given that the higher is the mil thickness, the more rigid the glove.

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The Best Range for Disposable Nitrile Gloves

Meanwhile, disposable nitrile gloves usually range in thickness from 4 mils to 8 mils, with the majority of heavy-duty industrial and laboratory grade nitrile gloves ranging from 6 to 8 mils thick. The thicker the nitrile glove, the higher level of protection.

Heavy-duty nitrile gloves provide a longer permeation time when working with chemicals and more tear resistance than thinner light-duty or medical grade gloves.

Glove Thickness Varies

However, keep in mind that the thickness of a nitrile glove or a latex one varies from one part of the hand to another. This means  glove thickness is not uniform across the whole glove. Glove manufacturers rate glove thickness based on the amount of material at the fingers and palm, while also considering the rigidity of the material throughout the rest of the glove.

Gloves are usually made by dipping hand-formers into liquid material with the fingers pointing downward. As they begin drying, the law of gravity applies as solution is pulled downward: Fingertips are thicker than wrists, with palms somewhere in the middle.

How To Read Glove Thickness

When you see a nitrile glove labeled 4 mil, that measurement is usually based on the thickness in the fingertips, which makes sense since your fingers are most likely to do the handling and thus are most susceptible to puncturing and tearing when wearing the disposable glove. This applies for all disposable gloves including nitrile gloves and latex. 

Gloves become more costly as they become thicker, as this process requires more material and manpower. Meanwhile, resistance from chemical hazards varies with thickness. The thicker the glove, the stronger the resistance against chemical hazards, but dexterity is reduced.

Size and Thickness

If you find that a nitrile glove has ripped, the first thing to ask is whether you are wearing the correct size. Most gloves have an Acceptable Quality Limit, or AQL rating, which indicates an acceptable percentage of ripped gloves in any one batch. 

Many users rip disposable glove not because the nitrile glove is  too thin, but because they are trying to force his or her hand into a glove that is too small.

Glove Thickness and Allergy

You probably wonder if a thick glove can cause allergy. The answer is no. Allergic reactions are usually caused by the material and hence, glove manufacturers offer latex free gloves as well as powder free gloves in both nitrile and vinyl options. 

Cornstarch powder-coated gloves are easier to put on and prevent gloves from sticking together. However, they may cling to the wearer's skin and cause sensitivities or allergies. 

Powder-free nitrile gloves undergo a process known as chlorination in which they are treated with a chlorine solution, rinsed with water, and dried to remove most of the powdered residue and latex proteins. Powder-free nitrile gloves can be harder to remove quickly and may decrease the firm grip, but they are more sanitary. They also tend to be more expensive than powdered gloves because of extra steps involved in the chlorination process.

Conclusion

We hope that these insights into the benefits of each glove thickness will help you make an informed decision about your particular needs and tasks.

If you're looking for a consistent, strong glove to stand up to punctures and tears during regular work with chemical or sharp objects, or just some extra durability, then the thick nitrile gloves or latex glove is worth considering. If you need a more flexible and cost-effective glove, then the thin choice may be a better choice.

Either way, disposable nitrile gloves are usually great options in their own right, so go ahead and make the choice that's right for you.

At the end of the day, it is important to choose the best gloves that are right for the job. We should not rely on size or thickness as the only way to guide these choices. A combination of the fabric type, thickness, and application will ensure success in any situation when using a nitrile or latex glove.

Where To Buy The Best Gloves For Your Needs?

When it comes to purchasing gloves that meet your specific needs, gloves.com stands out as the best option. With a wide range of gloves available in varying thicknesses and materials, they cater to every requirement, whether you need lightweight gloves for tasks requiring precision or heavy-duty gloves for more demanding applications. gloves.com offers high-quality products that ensure durability, protection, and comfort, making them the go-to source for disposable gloves.

Are you interested in learning more about blue disposable gloves? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!