30/07/2026 by Joel Thompson
Choosing the right type of grease for an application is critical to optimising mechanical performance and preventing damage to components.
However, there are many different products to pick from, which can make the selection process an intimidating task.
Understanding how different grease types work and the features they offer is the key step to making the correct decision. Here, we explore two types in detail – calcium and lithium grease – and highlight their main differences while explaining the applications they are fit for.
What is calcium grease?
Calcium grease is a specialised, viscous lubricant manufactured by blending a base oil with calcium soap as the thickening agent. It is extremely effective at repelling moisture, inhibiting rust and preventing corrosion.
What is lithium grease?
Exceptionally versatile, lithium grease is a semi-solid lubricant that also combines a base oil with a thickener, but uses lithium soap instead of calcium soap. In operation, it works like a sponge, releasing oil gradually during operation to decrease friction and prevent wear, rust and corrosion.
Operating temperature
While traditional calcium grease cannot withstand high temperatures, modern calcium sulphonate greases can manage extreme heat and can resist breaking down at temperatures that exceed 300°C. Lithium grease is also known for its capacity to cope and can withstand high heats of up to 260°C.
Water-resistance
Calcium-based greases have earned a reputation as incredibly water-resistant lubricants. They efficiently repel moisture and resist being washed out in operating environments that experience excess moisture levels. In contrast, basic lithium grease will absorb moisture and, as a result, it requires specific additives to prevent washout occurring.
Compatibility
Lithium complex and calcium sulphonate greases have the benefit of being entirely compatible with one another, as well as with many other types of common greases. The only greases that they are incompatible with are bentonite clay grease and conventional polyurea grease.
Load bearing
Calcium sulphonate greases have outstanding natural anti-wear and extreme pressure (EP) attributes. Without these native properties, lithium greases typically depend heavily on chemical additive packages to help them perform effectively when they are subjected to shock impacts and heavy loads.
Shear stability
Calcium greases have greater shear stability compared when with lithium complex greases. The calcium carbonate included in the grease’s formulation fortifies its capacity to keep its thickness over prolonged periods of work.
Expense
Calcium greases perform better than lithium complex greases in severe operating conditions, but their advanced properties make them a more expensive option than lithium grease. The latter is regarded as a budget-friendly solution in comparison.
Typical applications of calcium and lithium greases
Calcium and lithium greases are readily available from trusted brands like Petronas and Mobil to serve a range of industry applications. A solid all-rounder, lithium grease is an extremely flexible lubricant that can be used with a wide range of equipment. Common applications include, but aren’t limited, to lubricating power tools, door hinges, garage equipment, chassis parts and bearings in car wheels.
Due to its impressive water resistance, calcium grease is most often used when machinery must work outside, or where there is risk of rust and corrosion, like marine applications. As such, it is employed to lubricate water pump components, boat trailers, industrial equipment that is exposed to saltwater and agricultural and other exposed outdoor machines. Its ability to withstand high mechanical loads means it is also a match for equipment working under the most intense operating conditions.
While both grease types are smart selections when a multi-purpose grease is required, modern calcium sulphonate greases typically exhibit superior performance in terms of shear stability, loadbearing, operating temperatures and when water-resistance is a critical requirement.
Do you need calcium or lithium grease?
Regardless of the grease type you need for your application, you’ll find dependable products from the leading lubricant manufacturers we stock. Browse our range of calcium greases and lithium greases today, or reach out to our knowledgeable team for guidance on greases that match your application.
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