Note: This project requires several essential materials:

    •    Inks: Two colors (black and red) - Speedball or xTool brand recommended
    •    Screen Printing Equipment: xTools screen printer and 2 coated screens
    •    Drying Tools: Hairdryer, heat press, or heat gun
    •    Apparel: Light-colored shirt
 

To get started with this project, follow these steps in xTools Creative Space:
    1.    Change “Process on Flat Surface” to “Screen Preparation.”
    2.    Click “Calibrate Origin,” then use the buttons on screen to align the laser to the top right.
    3.    Adjust the Easy Set settings to 100% power and 135 speed. I find this configuration more effective.
    4.    When I used the Air Assist, it did not work for me, but it might work for you.
 

Guidelines for Positioning a Shirt Design
Using a Projector:
    •    Project the design onto the shirt with a budget-friendly projector.
    •    Mark the position using small pieces of white sticker paper or tape.
    •    Measure the design to determine its size.
Without a Projector:
    •    Estimate the size of the design.
    •    Measure one dimension with a ruler.
    •    Adjust the design size to fit various shirt dimensions for optimal results.
Centering the Design:
    •    Fold the shirt in half to find the center.
    •    Mark the center with two pieces of tape or sticker paper for alignment.
Reminder: Resize the design in xTools Creative Space to ensure it fits your shirt perfectly.
 

Using D1 Pro for Multi-Color Screen Engraving:

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

    1.    Prepare Screens: Engrave two separate screens—one for each color used 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: Ensure the origin is aligned and the design is scaled and positioned correctly within the green engravable area.
    4.    Flip and Orient: Make sure the design is flipped horizontally and correctly 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, as the next steps can be technical.

    1.    Engraved Screen Installation: Take out your engraved screens from the laser cutter and securely mount one on the Screen Printer.
    2.    Prepare Shirt and Plate: Place a sticky mat on the wooden plate to prevent the shirt from moving during the printing process. Position the shirt on the sticky mat. This mat is essential when printing multiple colors to ensure the shirt stays put.
    3.    Shirt Alignment: Use the three knobs at the bottom of the plate to adjust and line up the shirt accurately. Center the shirt using the tape-marked middle for precise placement.
    4.    Apply First Color: At a 45-degree angle, flood the screen with the first color of ink. Ensure even coverage by adding more ink at the design’s bottom.
    5.    Print and Dry: Lower the screen onto the shirt and pull the squeegee across the design to deposit the ink. Lift the screen and dry the ink using a hair dryer, heat gun, or heat press. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 for each additional screen and color.
    6.    Final Step: Carefully remove the shirt from the plate and let it dry completely.