Coffee Steam Heart Shirt

For this project, you will need:

1. Inks:

• Single color: gold or yellow-brown (Speedball or xTool brands recommended)

2. Screen Printing Equipment:

• xTool screen printer

• 1 coated screen

3. Drying Tools (Only Need One) (Optional):

• Hairdryer

• Heat press

• Heat gun

4. Apparel:

• Dark brown shirt

1. Open xTool Creative Space:

• Start the xTool Creative Space application on your computer.

2. Prepare for Screen Engraving:

• Access the settings and set “Process on Flat Surface” to “Screen Preparation” to prepare the screen correctly.

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

3. Adjust Engraving Settings:

• Set the Easy Set parameters to 100% power and 135 speed. These settings are optimal for engraving the screen accurately.

Note: If you have Air Assist and it functions properly, use it to avoid issues with particles sticking to the mesh.

1. Size Your Design:

Using a Projector (Optional):

• Use a projector to cast the design onto the shirt for accurate placement.

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

• Measure and adjust the design size in xTools to ensure it fits the shirt properly.

Without a Projector:

• If you don’t have a projector, estimate the design size.

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

2. Center the Design:

• Fold the shirt vertically to find the center and align the design symmetrically.

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

1. Prepare the Screen:

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

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

2. Align and Scale the Design:

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

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

3. Begin Engraving:

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

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

• For newcomers to screen printing, consider watching a tutorial on YouTube for guidance on using the xTool Screen Printer.

1. Install the Engraved Screen:

• Remove the engraved screen 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 in place.

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

3. Align the Shirt:

• Use the adjustment knobs at the bottom of the plate to align the shirt correctly.

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

4. Apply the Ink:

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

• Apply a layer of ink to the screen.

• Use a squeegee to spread the ink across the design area, ensuring it penetrates the screen effectively.

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 results.

• Lift the screen to inspect the design. If needed, apply additional coats of ink and repeat the process until the design is fully covered.

• Dry the ink using a hairdryer, heat gun, or heat press. The ink should be dry within a few hours; if air-drying, it may take up to 24 hours.

6. Complete the Process:

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

• Allow the shirt to dry completely before handling.