Anti-Spatter & Nozzle Tip Dip Comparison Chart
Anti-spatter keeps weld spatter from sticking to MIG nozzles, contact tips, fixtures and the work, so you spend less time grinding and cleaning. The right one depends on how you apply it and how long you need it to last.
Why use anti-spatter?
This is what a MIG nozzle looks like without it. Spatter welds itself to the nozzle and builds up inside, choking the opening the shielding gas flows through. Poor gas coverage is a leading cause of porosity in the weld. Anti-spatter puts a film between the spatter and the metal, so it brushes or taps off instead of sticking, and your nozzles and contact tips last longer.
Quick pick: how you will use it
Side-by-side comparison
| Type | Product | Base | How you apply it | Flammability (from SDS) | Why choose it | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk liquid |  ABICOR Binzel® ABI-Shield |
Surfactant, water based | Liquid | Not classified as hazardous | Not affected by freezing; washes off with water. | 4 × 1 gal · 5 gal · 55 gal |
| Bulk liquid |  Cantesco® AS |
Surfactant, water based | Liquid, ready to use | Not flammable; not classified as hazardous | Non-chlorinated, no solvents; corrosion inhibitors cut grinding and clean-up. | 1 gal · 5 gal · 55 gal |
| Bulk liquid | Cantesco® ES |
Water-based emulsion of natural oils | Spray or brush; shake 30 s | Non-flammable; not classified as hazardous | High-solids film you can weld through while wet; neutral pH with rust inhibitor. | 1 gal · 5 gal · 55 gal |
| Robotic |  ABICOR Binzel® ABI-Mist |
Water based, oil-free | Robotic misting systems | Not classified as hazardous | Low viscosity atomizes in misting systems; won't affect seals in the cell; stays stable at high temperature. | 4 × 1 gal · 5 gal · 55 gal |
| Robotic |  ABICOR Binzel® Organic |
Vegetable oil based | Robotic welding cells | Not classified as hazardous | Freeze-resistant; less grinding and brushing after welding. | 1 gal · 5 gal · 55 gal |
| Aerosol |  Cantesco® ES-16-A |
Water based | Aerosol can | Non-flammable aerosol (pressurized) | Same water-based formula as ES; no ozone-depleting propellants. | 12 × 16 oz |
| Aerosol |  Cantesco® QP-16-A Quick Protect |
Plant oil in liquefied gas propellant | Aerosol can | Danger: extremely flammable aerosol | Matches solvent-based performance without chlorinated solvents; dries instantly; heat resistant. | 12 × 16 oz |
| Ceramic |  Cantesco® CRM-16-A |
Ceramic (boron nitride) | Aerosol can | Danger: extremely flammable aerosol | Dries to a solid coating that won't drip into the weld; one coat lasts up to 8 hours of welding. | 12 × 9.6 oz |
| Ceramic |  ABICOR Binzel® ABI-Shield ceramic spray |
Ceramic | Aerosol can; add the 192.0256 coating cap | Danger: extremely flammable aerosol | Silicone-free white ceramic film; dries in about 5 seconds; suits automated, long welding runs. | 12 + display · Coating cap |
| Tip dip |  ABICOR Binzel® ABI-Gel |
Gel | Dip the nozzle, or brush on | Not classified as hazardous | Spatter inside the nozzle won't stick and comes out easily. | 12 × 16 oz |
| Tip dip |  Cantesco® TD-16 |
USP-grade materials | Dip the hot nozzle, or brush on | Non-flammable; not classified as hazardous | Non-toxic, odorless; no silicones or chlorinated solvents; resists cracking. | 12 × 16 oz |
Scroll the table sideways on a phone.
What the differences mean
Liquid vs. ceramic
Liquid anti-spatter leaves a thin film that you re-apply often. Ceramic sprays dry to a solid coating that won't drip into the weld and lasts much longer: Cantesco® rates one coat of CRM-16-A at up to 8 hours of welding.
Flammable or not
All of the bulk liquids and both tip dips are non-flammable. CRM-16-A, QP-16-A and the ABI-Shield ceramic spray are extremely flammable aerosols; ES-16-A is a non-flammable aerosol. Check the Safety Data Sheet before you store or use any aerosol near the arc.
Why tip dip
Dipping a hot nozzle coats the inside, where spatter builds up and blocks gas flow. Cantesco® TD-16 is packed in a metal can, so a hot nozzle can't burn through the bottom the way it can with a plastic jar.
Safety Data Sheets for every product are on our Safety Data Sheets page. Comparing coolants? See the coolant comparison chart.
ABICOR® and Binzel® are registered trademarks of Alexander Binzel Schweisstechnik GmbH & Co. KG. Cantesco® is a brand of KEMPER SYSTEM.