Dry Carbon vs Wet Carbon: What's the Difference?

If you are shopping for carbon fibre parts for a Nissan Skyline GTR, the most important question is not the brand but how the part is made. Here is the difference between dry carbon (prepreg) and wet carbon, and why it matters.

Dry carbon vs wet carbon at a glance

Dry carbon (prepreg) Wet carbon (wet lay-up)
Resin Pre-impregnated, precisely measured Hand-applied, usually excess
Curing Autoclave: heat and pressure Room temperature or oven
Fibreglass None (All Street parts are 100% carbon) Often used as backing to cut cost
Weight Lightest Heavier
Strength and heat stability Highest Lower, more prone to warping
Finish Consistent weave, no pinholes Pinholes, runs and uneven weave are common
Cost Higher Lower

How All Street makes its dry carbon parts

  • Material: prepreg carbon fibre, typically 3K twill.
  • Moulds: 6061-T6 billet aluminium, for accurate, repeatable fitment.
  • Curing: autoclave cured.
  • No fibreglass: no fibreglass or cheaper composites are used.
  • Finish: UV and heat resistant; supplied matte or gloss depending on the part, and able to be painted, tinted or clear-coated.

Popular dry carbon parts for the Skyline GTR

Browse the full range: All Street dry carbon parts.

Frequently asked questions

What is dry carbon?

Dry carbon, also called prepreg carbon, is carbon fibre cloth pre-impregnated with a measured amount of resin, laid into a mould and cured under heat and pressure in an autoclave. It has a high fibre-to-resin ratio, so parts are lighter and stronger.

What is wet carbon?

Wet carbon (wet lay-up) is dry carbon cloth hand-wetted with resin in an open mould. It carries more resin, and many wet carbon aftermarket parts use a carbon top layer over fibreglass to cut cost.

Is dry carbon worth it for an R34 GTR?

For panels like a bonnet, fenders or front bumper, dry carbon saves more weight, holds its shape better in heat, and has a more consistent weave than wet carbon or fibreglass-backed parts. It costs more to make, which is why it is usually priced higher.

How can I tell if a carbon part is dry carbon?

Dry carbon parts are typically lighter for their size, have a very consistent weave with no pinholes or resin pooling, and the back side shows carbon, not fibreglass. Ask the seller directly whether the part is prepreg and autoclave cured, and whether any fibreglass is used.

Can dry carbon be painted?

Yes. All Street dry carbon panels can be painted fully or partially, tinted, or clear-coated gloss or matte like any other panel.

Questions? Email info@allstreet.com.au, call 0467 195 070, or WhatsApp +61 467 195 070.