Technical Reference

Grease Compatibility Chart

Compare thickener families before planning a grease change. Choose two types for a quick lookup, or explore the full matrix below.

A screening guide, not product approval. Thickener ratings alone do not establish compatibility of finished greases. Base oils, additives, operating conditions and mixture proportions also matter. Confirm the exact products with your supplier and appropriate laboratory testing before mixing.

Compare two thickener types

Existing grease thickenerReplacement grease thickener

+ Compatible*T Test required− Incompatible*

*General thickener ratings from the identified SKF source. Matching thickener names, grease color or NLGI grade do not establish finished-product compatibility. Scroll sideways to see all columns.

Thickener compatibility · SKF 2022 catalogue, page 131
Thickener	1 Lithium	2 Calcium	3 Sodium	4 Lithium complex	5 Calcium complex	6 Sodium complex	7 Barium complex	8 Aluminum complex	9 Clay (bentonite)	10 Common polyurea	11 Calcium sulfonate complex
1. Lithium	+	T	-	+	-	T	T	-	T	T	+
2. Calcium	T	+	T	+	-	T	T	-	T	T	+
3. Sodium	-	T	+	T	T	+	+	-	T	T	-
4. Lithium complex	+	+	T	+	+	T	T	+	-	-	+
5. Calcium complex	-	-	T	+	+	T	-	T	T	+	+
6. Sodium complex	T	T	+	T	T	+	+	-	-	T	T
7. Barium complex	T	T	+	T	-	+	+	+	T	T	T
8. Aluminum complex	-	-	-	+	T	-	+	+	-	T	-
9. Clay (bentonite)	T	T	T	-	T	-	T	-	+	T	-
10. Common polyurea	T	T	T	-	+	T	T	T	T	+	+
11. Calcium sulfonate complex	+	+	-	+	+	T	T	-	-	+	+

Polyurea exception: SKF reports tested compatibility of its LGHP 2 and LGHQ 2 products with lithium and lithium-complex greases. This product-specific result does not extend automatically to other polyurea greases.

Before changing grease

Identify both products and their formulations, review equipment requirements, and agree on a changeover plan with your supplier. Laboratory testing can check the actual mixture; removal or purging of old grease should follow equipment-specific guidance.

Ask QA about a grease change → Explore grease products →

Sources & chart basis

Matrix transcribed from SKF Maintenance Products catalogue (2022), page 131. Ratings are kept within this single source; other publications and editions may differ.

Interpretation: Mobil: Understanding compatibility and conversion and Mobil: Grease components, consistency and compatibility. Sources reviewed October 8, 2026.