A glove’s texture is an important factor to consider when selecting the best glove. Glove formers are what give gloves their texture. Creating roughened or micro-roughed textures can be achieved by two different methods: sandblasting, in which ceramic balls and forced air are used to create texture, or by spraying on, in which a coating is applied directly.
Despite their similarities in function, the processes differ in patterns and customer preferences. On thicker gloves, sandblasting is used; on thinner ones, spray-on is used.
Texture may appear on the gloves’ whole surface, on the fingers, on the fingertips, on the inner palms and fingers, or on both sides. As long as the disposable glove is ambidextrous, it has texture on both sides. Gloves with textured surfaces are more comfortable to wear. Surfaces can be either micro or coarsely roughened.
Smooth
Most are made from vinyl, and they have no texture. These gloves are suitable for applications such as salon care, food preparation, and food service that do not require a precise grip.
Embossed
A polyurethane food service glove with this texture has the lightest texture. Both polyurethane sheets are imprinted with a pattern to improve grip and make the glove easier to manipulate.
Micro-roughened
Gloves made of Nitrile or latex are most commonly used. The average nitrile glove is micro roughened in 95% of cases. There is light sanding on the surface of these gloves. Medical applications are excellent candidates because they provide a better grip for holding tools and small objects but do not have an exaggerated surface to irritate patients.
Aggressive Texture
Hands are most intensely textured with disposable gloves. Apple Trading Co.’s high-definition nitrile gloves with raised diamond texture are one example. Liquids can pass through channels between raised diamonds, providing greater grip because it allows for greater surface contact. Tools and objects with raised diamond textures are excellent for gripping wet or slippery surfaces.
A glove’s aggressive texture requires more material and offers more protection and thickness. The best applications for these gloves are automotive, manufacturing, and industrial. An aggressively raised diamond texture channels liquids away, so gloves stay dry, even wet.