Dry Lubricant or Grease - Which Suits Your Application?
Whether PTFE and MoS2 dry lubricants or classic grease is the better choice depends on dust exposure, load and temperature. This guide gives concrete limits, a comparison table and a clear decision logic for maintenance use.
View lubricantsWhat is the difference between a dry film and grease?
Grease consists of a base oil, a thickener (such as lithium or calcium soap) and additives. It forms a continuous lubricating film that keeps mating surfaces apart and can flow back into the contact zone. Dry lubricants such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or MoS2 (molybdenum disulphide) instead leave a solid sliding film once the carrier solvent has evaporated.
The key practical difference: grease is tacky and attracts dust, chips and sand that act as a grinding paste. A dry film stays dry and clean, binds no particles and is therefore ideal wherever contamination is a bigger problem than pure friction.
- PTFE: very low friction, chemically inert, operating range roughly -180 to 260 °C.
- MoS2: highest load capacity under pressure, ideal for high surface loading and run-in.
- Grease: durable lubrication with sealing and corrosion protection, re-lubricable.
Which criteria decide the choice in maintenance?
Three factors govern the choice: the dust exposure of the environment, the mechanical load (surface pressure, speed) and the operating temperature. Only the interplay of these factors leads to the right decision.
- Dusty, open-running (chains, outdoor guides): prefer a dry film.
- Sealed, high speed, sealing function required: prefer grease.
- Very high temperature above 150 °C: check dry film or high-temperature grease.
- Food-adjacent: choose an NSF-H1 registered product in the relevant class.
How are dry lubricants applied correctly?
A dry film only holds on a clean, degreased surface. Old grease residue, oil and rust must be removed completely before application, otherwise the film will not adhere and will flake off.
- Clean the surface with brake cleaner or degreaser and let it dry.
- Spray the dry lubricant thinly and evenly from 20‑30 cm.
- Observe the flash-off time until the solvent has fully evaporated.
- For MoS2, run in briefly so the sliding film settles.
Cleaners, degreasers and lubricants for maintenance at a glance.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
Can I just spray dry lubricant over old grease?
No. The dry film only adheres to a degreased, dry surface. Old grease must first be removed completely with degreaser or brake cleaner, otherwise the film flakes off.
What lasts longer under high load, MoS2 or grease?
A MoS2 dry film carries very high surface pressures up to around 3,000 N/mm² and is superior under high load plus dust. In sealed, clean bearings with re-lubrication, EP grease often remains the better long-term solution.
Which lubricant suits dusty outdoor applications?
Dry lubricants based on PTFE or MoS2, because they bind no dust. Grease acts like a grinding paste there and accelerates wear.
Up to what temperature can PTFE be used?
PTFE dry films typically work from about -180 to 260 °C. Above that, MoS2 coatings up to around 350 °C or special high-temperature pastes are options.
Unsure which lubricant to choose?
We stock PTFE and MoS2 based dry lubricants as well as greases for every load and temperature - matched to your maintenance needs.
Application-specific
Dry film or grease - matched to load, dust and temperature.
Wide temperature range
Covered from -180 to over 300 °C.
Wear protection
Less friction, fewer failures, longer service life.
Expert advice
Maintenance specialists help with the selection.