Sun And Sand Dunes Shirt

For this project, you’ll need:

1. Inks:

• Two colors: black and gold or yellow (Speedball or xTool brands recommended)

2. Screen Printing Equipment:

• xTool screen printer

• 2 coated screens

3. A Drying Tool Either:

• 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. Prepare for Screen Engraving:

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

• Click “Calibrate Origin” and use the on-screen controls to align the laser to the top right corner of the screen for precise placement.

3. Configure Engraving Parameters:

• Set the Easy Set parameters to 100% power and 135 speed. These settings will ensure accurate engraving of your screens.

Note: If Air Assist is available and functional, use it to prevent particles from sticking to the mesh.

1. Size Your Design:

Using a Projector (Optional):

• Project the design onto the shirt for accurate positioning.

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

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

Without a Projector:

• Estimate the design size if a projector isn’t available.

• Measure the design area and resize it in xTools to fit your shirt.

2. Center the Design:

• Fold the shirt in half vertically to find the center.

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

1. Prepare the Screens:

• Use one screen for each color. Ensure both screens are properly set up for engraving.

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

2. Align and Scale the Designs:

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

• Verify that each design is mirrored horizontally to ensure correct printing on the shirt.

3. Begin Engraving:

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

• Start the engraving process by clicking “Process.” The engraving time will depend on the design size, typically taking just over an hour.

• For additional help, consider watching a YouTube tutorial on using the xTool Screen Printer.

1. Install the First Engraved Screen:

• Remove the first screen (for the gold or yellow ink) from the laser cutter.

• Attach the screen securely to the screen printer.

2. Prepare the Shirt and Printing Plate:

• Place a sticky mat on the wooden plate of the screen printer to keep the shirt from shifting.

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

3. Align the Shirt:

• Use the adjustment knobs on the bottom of the plate to align the shirt accurately.

• Center the shirt using tape markings as a guide for precise placement.

4. Apply the First Color Ink (Gold or Yellow):

• Open the jar of gold or yellow ink and stir it with the spatula.

• Apply a layer of gold or yellow ink to the screen.

• Use a squeegee to spread the ink evenly across the design area on the screen.

5. Print and Dry the First Color:

• Lower the screen onto the shirt and drag the squeegee over the design to transfer the gold or yellow ink. Apply even pressure for uniform results.

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

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

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

• Once the first color is dry, remove the gold or yellow screen and install the second screen (for black ink) onto the screen printer.

• Repeat the shirt and plate preparation steps.

7. Apply the Second Color Ink (Black):

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

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

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

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

9. Finalize:

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

• Allow the shirt to dry fully before handling.