At Dream Drives for Kids, joy takes the wheel. This nonprofit, founded 10 years ago, creates unforgettable experiences for children undergoing medical treatment by giving them a chance to ride in exotic cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches. When they needed t-shirts to celebrate their mission and spread smiles, we stepped in to rev up our Direct Film Transfer (DTF) skills and deliver something truly special.
Here’s a closer look at how we brought their vision to life.
WHY DFT PRINTING FOR DREAM DRIVES?
When Eric from Dream Drives approached us, we immediately recognized the need for vibrant, durable prints that were as comfortable as they were eye-catching. With only 42 shirts required and a detailed, multi-color design, DFT printing emerged as the ideal solution, providing the perfect balance of quality and flexibility.
RELATED: HOW SCREEN PRINTING AND DIRECT FILM TRANSFERS WORK TOGETHER
CHOOSING THE PERFECT CANVAS
The t-shirts selected for this project were Allmade Tri-Blend Deep Black, a premium eco-friendly option crafted with Modal, a soft and sustainable fabric. These shirts felt amazing to wear and were designed to last, but their dye migration risk—rated 2.5 out of 5—required extra care during the printing process to ensure the colors remained vibrant and crisp.
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF DTF PRINTING
PREPPING THE DESIGN
The DTF process began with careful preparation of the design. To achieve a natural look and reduce the stiff, “patch-like” effect of a solid print, we removed the black background, allowing the shirt’s fabric to show through. Using OmniDTF's software, we applied a white underbase with a slight 2-3 pixel choke to keep the finer details sharp and avoid any ink spreading.
PRINTING THE TRANSFER
Printing the transfer involved creating a full white underbase to ensure vibrant colors. We used an OmniDTF printer to achieve precise details and consistent quality. While we couldn’t incorporate a dye-blocking layer, we used precise temperature and pressure settings to mitigate the risk of dye migration.
RELATED: DISCOVER THE POWER OF OMNIPRINT'S DTF PRINTING SOLUTIONS
PRESSING ON THE SHIRTS
The pressing process was equally meticulous. Using a Riley Hopkins 360 press fitted with a Stampinator attachment, we transformed the traditional screen printing press into a heat transfer powerhouse. After preheating the platens to 270°F for 15-20 seconds, we pressed the transfers to ensure strong adhesion. We let the transfers cool completely before peeling, which preserved the finer details and ensured a clean, professional finish. To achieve a softer, more natural look, we added a second press using a textured topper, such as burlap, to reduce the glossy sheen that can sometimes occur with transfers.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND FINE-TUNING
As with any project, we faced a few challenges along the way. Fine lines and intricate details required extra time under the heat press to transfer fully. We also encountered press marks, which we minimized by adjusting pressure settings and lightly misting the fabric with water to rehydrate and smooth out the material.
RELATED: PREPPING PHOTOSHOP ART FOR DTF PRINTING STEP BY STEP
THE FINAL RESULT
The end result was a collection of vibrant, comfortable t-shirts that perfectly captured the spirit of Dream Drives for Kids. These tees, made with eco-friendly Modal, are breathable, soft, and anti-microbial, making them ideal for active wear. The bold, full-color design aligns beautifully with Dream Drives’ mission, connecting with their young audience while showcasing a fresh, professional look.
These shirts are set to be a hit, not only with the kids and sponsors but also with celebrities like Patrick Dempsey, who will be joining the team at Circuit of the Americas. With their vibrant prints, comfortable fit, and sustainable fabric, these shirts are a testament to the incredible work Dream Drives for Kids does.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DREAM DRIVES FOR KIDS EVENT
Sometimes, words just can't capture the magic of the day. Here’s a look at some of the most heartwarming and exciting moments from the Dream Drives for Kids event:
