"I'm Here For The Free Wifi" Shirt

For this project, you will need:

1. Inks:

• White ink (Speedball or xTool recommended)

2. Screen Printing Equipment:

• xTool screen printer

• 1 coated screen

3. Drying Tools (Optional):

• Hairdryer

• Heat press

• Heat gun

4. Apparel:

• Dark grey shirt

1. Open xTool Creative Space:

• Launch the xTool Creative Space application on your computer.

2. Set Up for Screen Preparation:

• Go to the settings and switch “Process on Flat Surface” to “Screen Preparation” for proper screen engraving.

• Click on “Calibrate Origin” and align the laser to the top right corner of the screen using the on-screen controls to ensure accurate positioning.

3. Set Engraving Parameters:

• Adjust the Easy Set parameters to 100% power and 135 speed. These settings are ideal for engraving your screen with precision.

Note: If Air Assist is available and works for you, use it. Otherwise, it might cause issues with particles sticking in the mesh.

1. Sizing Your Design:

Using a Projector (Optional):

• Project the design onto the shirt using a projector for precise placement.

• Mark the projected design’s position with small pieces of tape.

• Measure and adjust the design size in xTools to fit the shirt accurately.

Without a Projector:

• Estimate the design size if you don’t have a projector.

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

2. Center the Design:

• Fold the shirt vertically to find its center for symmetrical alignment.

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

1. Prepare the Screen:

• Use a single screen for the one-color design. Ensure it’s securely set up for engraving.

• Attach the frame fixing piece on the left side of the screen if needed.

2. Align and Scale the Design:

• In xTool Creative Space, ensure the design fits within the green engravable area of the screen.

• Confirm the design is horizontally mirrored to print correctly on the shirt.

3. Begin Engraving:

• If not done already, press “Calibrate Origin” and adjust the laser head as needed.

• Click “Process” to start engraving. The duration will depend on the design size, typically taking a little over an hour.

• If new to screen printing, consider watching a YouTube tutorial on using the xTool Screen Printer.

1. Attach the Engraved Screen:

• Remove the screen from the laser cutter and attach it 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 correctly.

• Center the shirt using tape markings as a guide.

4. Apply White Ink:

• Open the white ink jar and stir it with the spatula.

• Apply a layer of white ink to the screen in the design area.

• Use a squeegee to evenly spread the ink across the design area, ensuring it goes through the screen.

5. Print and Dry:

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

• Lift the screen to inspect the design. If needed, add more ink and repeat the process.

• Dry the ink using a hairdryer, heat gun, or heat press. Without these tools, drying can take up to 24 hours. The ink is fully dry when it no longer feels sticky.

6. Final Steps:

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

• Allow the shirt to dry completely before handling.