Disposable Nitrile Gloves
Why Detailers And Mechanics Wear Nitrile Gloves
A good pair of gloves does two jobs. It keeps grease, brake dust and product off your hands, and it keeps the oils on your skin off fresh paint, glass and coatings. On a detail, that second job matters as much as the first. A fingerprint on a freshly prepped panel is the last thing you want under a sealant.
The material matters too. Nitrile holds its shape around oils, fuels, grease and solvents, fits closely enough for clips, caps and fine trim, and is completely latex-free, which is why it has become the standard glove in workshops and detailing bays. For the full comparison, read Nitrile vs Latex vs Vinyl Gloves.
Which Nitrile Gloves Do I Need?
Glove weight is the simplest way to compare disposable gloves. The heavier the glove, the more material between you and the job.
- Light (3 to 4g): standard exam-style gloves. Fine for interiors and quick jobs, but they split easily on sharp edges.
- Heavy duty (8g and up): for wheels, arches, engine bays and decontamination work. StealthGrip is 8g with a raised diamond grip, built for exactly this, in limited edition high-visibility green.
- Box size: a box of 50 is 25 pairs, which covers a dozen or more full details.
- Sizing: measure the width of your palm across the knuckles. M fits 90 to 100mm, L 105 to 115mm and XL 115 to 125mm.
Disposable Nitrile Gloves FAQs
Material, weight, sizing and when to change a pair.
Are nitrile gloves latex-free?
Yes. Nitrile is a synthetic rubber with no natural latex in it, so nitrile gloves are a safe choice if you or anyone you work with has a latex allergy. Our gloves are also powder-free, which matters on a detail: powdered gloves can leave a fine residue on paint and glass that you then have to clean off again. If you've avoided gloves because latex irritates your skin, nitrile is the swap to make.
Are nitrile gloves resistant to fuel and solvents?
Nitrile is naturally resistant to oils, fuels, grease and solvents, which is why it's used in workshops rather than latex or vinyl. StealthGrip is resistant to all four, so it won't swell, soften or go tacky when it comes into contact with them. Like any disposable glove, change it if it's been soaked through or damaged, and always start a new pair before you touch paint after degreasing or wheel work.
What does glove weight mean?
Weight is the most reliable way to compare disposable gloves, because thickness figures are measured in different ways by different brands. A standard exam glove weighs around 3 to 4g. Heavy-duty gloves start at around 8g. More material means more resistance to tearing and punctures, which is what you want around wheel arches, sharp trim and engine bays. StealthGrip weighs 8g in size M, rising to 9g in XL.
What size nitrile gloves do I need?
Measure the width of your palm across the knuckles, leaving out your thumb. Medium fits 90 to 100mm, Large fits 105 to 115mm and Extra Large fits 115 to 125mm. Nitrile gloves should feel snug without pinching. If you're between sizes, go up a size for comfort over long sessions or down a size for maximum dexterity on fiddly jobs.
Do I need gloves for car detailing?
You don't have to wear them, but most detailers do. Gloves keep wheel cleaner, fallout remover, degreaser and brake dust off your hands, and they stop the natural oils on your skin marking freshly prepped paint before a sealant or coating goes on. A grippy pair also makes wet bottles, brushes and wheel nuts easier to hold. A box on the shelf costs less than a single bottle of most detailing products.
Can disposable nitrile gloves be reused?
No. Disposable nitrile gloves are designed for single use. Once they've been stretched, contaminated or taken off, the fit and the barrier aren't what they were, and you risk transferring grime to the next surface you touch. Remove them by peeling from the cuff so they turn inside out, bin them, and start the next job with a fresh pair.
Better grip starts with the right glove.
Pair your gloves with a safer wash set-up. Start with a two or three bucket set, get into the barrels with a Plush Microfibre Wheel Mitt, and pre-wash with Snow Lux. New to detailing? Our guides walk you through every step.