Elephant Shirt

For this project, you will need:

1. Ink:

• Black ink (Speedball or xTool recommended)

2. Screen Printing Equipment:

• xTool screen printer

• 1 coated screen

3. A Drying Tool (Optional):

• Hairdryer

• Heat press

• Heat gun

4. Apparel:

• Blue shirt

1. Open xTool Creative Space:

• Start the xTool Creative Space software on your computer.

2. Prepare for Screen Engraving:

• Adjust the settings by switching the “Process on Flat Surface” option to “Screen Preparation” for proper engraving.

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

3. Configure Engraving Settings:

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

1. Adjust Your Design Size:

With a Projector (Optional):

• Project the design onto the shirt for accurate placement.

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

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

Without a Projector:

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

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

2. Center the Design:

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

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

1. Prepare the Screen:

• Use the screen for the single color design. Ensure it is properly set up for engraving.

• Attach frame fixing pieces to the left side of the screen if needed.

2. Align and Scale the Design:

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

• Confirm that the design is mirrored horizontally for correct printing.

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 for the screen, depending on the design size.

• If you’re new to this, a YouTube tutorial on the xTool Screen Printer may be useful.

1. Install the Engraved Screen:

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

• Securely attach this screen to the screen printer.

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, ensuring it is smooth and wrinkle-free.

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 Black Ink:

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

• Apply a layer of black ink to the screen.

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

5. Print and Dry the Ink:

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

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

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

6. Finalize:

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

• Let the shirt dry thoroughly before handling.