The Difference Between Dry Carbon and Wet Carbon - And Why It Matters

Ever wondered why carbon fiber prices are all over the place? Why one front lip is listed at a much lower price while another that looks similar is labeled “Dry Carbon”? We’ll give it to you straight no runaround, just facts.

At Insignist, we believe in being transparent and helping you make an informed decision. Both wet carbon and dry carbon are 100% genuine carbon fiber. Neither is “fake,” neither is hydro-dip. But how they’re produced and how much resin is used. It makes all the difference.

Wet Carbon Fiber

  • Wet carbon is made by laying carbon sheets into a mold and brushing or pouring resin over them.
  • The extra resin makes the part heavier than dry carbon, but it still gives you the carbon look and strength.
  • Most aftermarket parts are wet carbon because the process is simpler and more affordable.
  • Wet carbon is still strong, much stronger than plastic or fiberglass but still heavier compared to dry carbon.

Dry Carbon Fiber

  • Dry carbon uses pre-impregnated carbon sheets (“pre-preg”) where the resin is already infused in exact amounts.
  • These sheets are then baked in an autoclave; a pressurized oven that removes air pockets and cures the resin.
  • The result is a part that’s lighter, stronger, and more durable.
  • Formula 1 cars, aerospace parts, and high-end OEM components are all made using dry carbon for these reasons.

Why Does It Matter?

  • Weight savings: Dry carbon can be up to ~30–40% lighter than wet carbon. That’s why performance cars and racing applications use it.
  • Durability: Less resin = less chance of yellowing, cracking, or peeling over time.
  • Cost: Dry carbon is more expensive to produce, so it costs more however, you’re paying for process, precision, and performance.
  • Aesthetics: Both look great, especially with proper UV coating. Over time, all resins will degrade with sun exposure (just like your car’s clear coat), so keeping your car garage-kept or ceramic-coated helps.

Which Should You Buy?

It comes down to your priorities:

  • Wet carbon: Best if you want the carbon look and quality upgrade without overspending.
  • Dry carbon: Best if you’re focused on performance, long-term durability, and absolute weight savings.

At Insignist, we clearly label all our products. If it’s dry carbon, it says “Dry Carbon.” If it’s wet carbon, it’s listed as “Carbon Fiber.” No guessing games.

So next time you see two carbon parts with different prices, you’ll know why. Both options are genuine carbon fiber so it’s simply just about how much the difference in performance and weight matters to you.

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