Minimalistic Forest Shirt

For this project, you’ll need:

1. Inks:

• Three colors: blue, orange, and yellow-green (recommended brands: Speedball or xTool)

2. Screen Printing Equipment:

• xTool screen printer

• 3 coated screens

3. A Drying Tool:

• Hairdryer

• Heat press

• Heat gun

4. Apparel:

• Dark green shirt

1. Open xTool Creative Space:

• Start the xTool Creative Space software on your computer.

2. Prepare for Screen Engraving:

• In the settings, change the “Process on Flat Surface” option to “Screen Preparation” for accurate screen engraving.

• Click “Calibrate Origin” and align the laser with the top right corner of the screen using the on-screen controls for precise positioning.

3. Configure Engraving Settings:

• Set the Easy Set parameters to 100% power and 135 speed for accurate screen engraving.

Note: Use Air Assist if available to prevent particles from sticking to the mesh. If Air Assist is not available, it may cause issues.

1. Adjust Your Design Size:

With a Projector (Optional):

• Project the design onto the shirt for precise placement.

• Use small pieces of tape to mark the projected design’s position.

• Adjust the design size in xTools to fit the shirt properly.

Without a Projector:

• If a projector isn’t available, estimate the design size.

• Measure the design area and adjust the size in xTools accordingly.

2. Center the Design:

• Fold the shirt in half vertically to locate the center for accurate alignment.

• Mark the center with tape or sticker paper to help with precise placement during printing.

1. Prepare the Screens:

• Use three screens, one for each color: blue, orange, and yellow-green. Ensure each screen is properly set up for engraving.

• Attach frame fixing pieces to the left sides of all screens if needed.

2. Align and Scale the Designs:

• In xTool Creative Space, check that each design fits within the green engravable area of its respective screen.

• Verify that each design is mirrored horizontally for correct printing on the shirt.

3. Start Engraving:

• Press “Calibrate Origin” if not done already and adjust the laser head using the on-screen controls.

• Click “Process” to begin engraving. The process will take just over an hour per screen, depending on the design size.

• For beginners, a YouTube tutorial on using the xTool Screen Printer may be helpful.

1. Install the First Screen (Blue Ink):

• Remove the first screen (for blue ink) from the laser cutter.

• Attach this screen to the screen printer securely.

2. Prepare the Shirt and Plate:

• Place a sticky mat on the wooden plate of the screen printer to keep the shirt in place.

• Lay the shirt on the mat, smoothing out any wrinkles.

3. Align the Shirt:

• Use the adjustment knobs at the bottom of the plate to position the shirt accurately.

• Center the shirt using tape markings for precise alignment.

4. Apply the First Color Ink (Blue):

• Open the jar of blue ink and stir it with a spatula.

• Apply a layer of blue ink to the screen.

• Use a squeegee to spread the ink evenly over the design area of the screen.

5. Print and Dry the First Color:

• Lower the screen onto the shirt and drag the squeegee across the design to transfer the blue ink. Apply even pressure.

• Lift the screen to check the design. Add more ink if necessary and repeat until the design is fully covered.

• Dry the blue ink using a hairdryer, heat gun, or heat press. Let it dry completely, which may take up to 24 hours if air-dried.

6. Switch Screens and Apply the Second Color (Orange):

• Once the blue ink is dry, remove the blue screen and install the second screen (for orange ink) onto the screen printer.

• Repeat the shirt and plate preparation process.

7. Apply the Second Color Ink (Orange):

• Open the jar of orange ink and stir it with a spatula.

• Apply a layer of orange ink to the new screen.

• Use a squeegee to spread the ink evenly over the design area.

8. Print and Dry the Second Color:

• Lower the orange screen onto the shirt and drag the squeegee across the design to transfer the orange ink. Apply consistent pressure for even coverage.

• Lift the screen to inspect the design. Apply additional coats if needed and repeat the process until the design is vibrant.

• Dry the orange ink using a hairdryer, heat gun, or heat press. Allow it to dry thoroughly, which may take up to 24 hours if air-dried.

9. Switch Screens and Apply the Third Color (Yellow-Green):

• Once the orange ink is dry, remove the orange screen and install the third screen (for yellow-green ink) onto the screen printer.

• Repeat the shirt and plate preparation process.

10. Apply the Third Color Ink (Yellow-Green):

• Open the jar of yellow-green ink and stir it with a spatula.

• Apply a layer of yellow-green ink to the screen.

• Use a squeegee to spread the ink evenly over the design area.

11. Print and Dry the Third Color:

• Lower the yellow-green screen onto the shirt and drag the squeegee to transfer the yellow-green ink. Apply even pressure for a consistent print.

• Lift the screen to check the design. Add more ink if needed and repeat the process until the design is fully covered.

• Dry the yellow-green ink using a hairdryer, heat gun, or heat press. Allow it to dry thoroughly, which may take up to 24 hours if air-dried.

12. Finalize:

• Carefully remove the shirt from the plate to avoid smudging.

• Allow the shirt to dry completely before handling.