Note: To complete this project, you will need the following materials:

    1.    Inks:
    •    Two colors: white, and glitter gold (Speedball or xTool brand recommended)
    2.    Screen Printing Equipment:
    •    xTools screen printer
    •    2 coated screens
    3.    Drying Tool Options:
    •    Hairdryer
    •    Heat press
    •    Heat gun
    4.    Apparel:
    •    Dark-colored shirt

Begin this project by following these steps in xTools Creative Space:
    1.    Change “Process on Flat Surface” to “Screen Preparation.”
    2.    Click “Calibrate Origin” and use the on-screen buttons to align the laser to the top right corner.
    3.    Set the Easy Set settings to 100% power and 135 speed. I find these settings more effective.
    4.    When I used the Air Assist, it didn’t work for me, but it might work for you.

Placing a Design on a Shirt
Using a Projector:
    1.    Project the design onto the shirt with a low-cost projector.
    2.    Mark the position with small pieces of white sticker paper or tape.
    3.    Measure the design’s size.
Without a Projector:
    1.    Estimate the design’s size.
    2.    Measure one dimension using a ruler.
    3.    Resize the design to fit different shirt dimensions for the best result.
For Proper Alignment:
    1.    Fold the shirt in half after determining the design size.
    2.    Mark the center with tape or sticker paper for proper alignment.
Note: Be sure to resize the design in xTools Creative Space to fit your shirt accurately.

Creating Screens for Multi-Color Design Using D1 Pro:

    •    The next step is to use the D1 Pro to engrave screens for our multi-color design.
    •    This process involves separating the design into individual colors, accurately aligning and scaling each color, and engraving the screens.
    •    Follow these steps to ensure precise engraving and proper screen printing setup.

    1.    Prepare Screens: Engrave two separate screens, one for each color in the design.
    2.    Separate Colors: Click and drag each color from the combined file to separate them for individual engraving.
    3.    Align and Scale: Align the origin and ensure the design is scaled and positioned within the green engravable area.
    4.    Flip and Orient: Check that the design is flipped horizontally and properly oriented for your shirt.
    5.    Start Engraving: Begin the engraving process. Time will vary based on shirt size; mine took just over an hour.
    6.    Watch Tutorial: Watch a YouTube video on screen printing with the xTools Screen Printer during the engraving process for technical guidance on the next steps.
 

    1.    Mount Engraved Screens: Take out your engraved screens from the laser cutter and secure one to the Screen Printer.
    2.    Prepare Shirt and Plate: Place a sticky mat on the wooden plate to keep the shirt from shifting during printing. Position the shirt on the sticky mat. This is essential when printing multiple colors to ensure the shirt stays in place.
    3.    Align the Shirt: Use the three knobs at the bottom of the plate to adjust and align the shirt. Center it using the tape-marked middle for precise placement.
    4.    First Color Application: Flood the screen with the first color of ink at a 45-degree angle. Add more ink at the bottom of the design for even coverage.
    5.    Print and Dry: Lower the screen onto the shirt and pull the squeegee across the design to transfer the ink. Lift the screen and dry the ink using a hair dryer, heat gun, or heat press. Repeat steps 3-5 for each additional screen and color.
    6.    Complete: Carefully remove the shirt from the plate and let it dry completely.