Mountain Over Lake Shirt

For this project, you’ll need:

1. Inks:

• Two colors: light blue and yellow (recommended brands: Speedball or xTool)

2. Screen Printing Equipment:

• xTool screen printer

• 2 coated screens

3. A Drying Tool:

• Hairdryer

• Heat press

• Heat gun

4. Apparel:

• Navy blue shirt

1. Launch xTool Creative Space:

• Open the xTool Creative Space software on your computer.

2. Prepare for Screen Setup:

• In the settings, switch the “Process on Flat Surface” option to “Screen Preparation” for proper 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. Set Engraving Parameters:

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

Note: In my experience Air Assist causes the screen particles to get stuck, so I would shut it off

1. Size Your Design:

With a Projector (Optional):

• Use a projector to display the design on the shirt for accurate placement.

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

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

Without a Projector:

• If a projector is unavailable, 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 find the center for precise alignment.

• Mark the center with tape or sticker paper to aid in accurate placement during printing.

1. Prepare the Screens:

• Use two screens, one for each color. Ensure each screen is properly set up for engraving.

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

2. Align and Scale the Designs:

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

• Ensure each design is mirrored horizontally for correct printing.

3. Start the Engraving Process:

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

• Click “Process” to begin engraving. The time required will vary with the design size, generally taking just over an hour per screen.

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

1. Install the First Screen:

• Remove the first screen (for the yellow 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 screen printer’s wooden plate to secure the shirt.

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

3. Align the Shirt:

• Adjust the shirt using the knobs at the bottom of the plate for precise positioning.

• Use tape markings to center the shirt accurately.

4. Apply the First Color Ink (Yellow):

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

• Apply a layer of yellow ink to the screen.

• Use a squeegee to spread the ink over the design area, ensuring thorough coverage.

5. Print and Dry the First Color:

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

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

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

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

• Once the yellow ink is dry, remove the yellow screen and install the second screen (for the light blue ink) on the screen printer.

• Repeat the shirt and plate preparation process.

7. Apply the Second Color Ink (Light Blue):

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

• Apply a layer of light blue 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 blue screen onto the shirt and drag the squeegee to transfer the light blue ink. Apply consistent pressure for an even print.

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

• Dry the blue 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. Finalize:

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

• Let the shirt dry completely before handling.