Sunrise Over Mountains Shirt

To complete this project, you will need:

1. Inks:

• Two colors: orange and black (Speedball or xTool brands are recommended)

2. Screen Printing Equipment:

• xTool screen printer

• 2 coated screens

3. Drying Tools (Optional):

• Hairdryer

• Heat press

• Heat gun

4. Apparel:

• Dark Blue shirt

1. Launch xTool Creative Space:

• Open the xTool Creative Space software on your computer.

2. Configure for Screen Preparation:

• Access the settings and switch the “Process on Flat Surface” option to “Screen Preparation” for the correct screen engraving setup.

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

3. Adjust Engraving Settings:

• Set the Easy Set parameters to 100% power and 135 speed. These settings ensure optimal results for engraving the screens.

Note: If Air Assist is available and works properly for you, use it; otherwise, it might cause issues with particles sticking to the mesh.

1. Size the Design:

Using a Projector (Optional):

• Project the design onto the shirt using a projector for accurate placement.

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

• Measure and scale the design in xTools to fit the shirt properly.

Without a Projector:

• Estimate the size of the design if you don’t have a projector.

• Measure the intended design area and adjust the size in xTools as needed.

2. Center the Design:

• Fold the shirt vertically to locate its center for symmetrical alignment.

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

1. Prepare the Screens:

• Use two screens for the multi-color design (one for each color). Ensure each screen is properly set up for engraving.

• Install the frame fixing pieces on the left sides of the first screen.

2. Align and Scale the Designs:

• In xTool Creative Space, ensure 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.

• Make sure that the colors are separated so you can engrave one at a time.

3. Begin Engraving:

• Press “Calibrate Origin” if not done already and adjust the laser head as necessary.

• Start the engraving process by clicking “Process.” The time required will depend on the design size; it generally takes a little over an hour per screen.

•Switch out screens so you engrave a screen for each color

• If you’re unfamiliar with screen printing, watching a YouTube tutorial on using the xTool Screen Printer may be helpful.

1. Install the First Engraved Screen:

• Remove the first engraved screen (for the first color) from the laser cutter.

• Attach this 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 prevent the shirt from moving.

• 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 accurately.

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

4. Apply the First Color Ink:

• Open the jar of the first color ink (e.g., orange) and stir it with the spatula.

• Apply a layer of orange ink to the screen.

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

5. Print and Dry the First Color:

• 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 check the design. If necessary, apply additional coats of ink and repeat the printing process until the design is fully covered.

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

6. Switch Screens and Apply the Second Color:

• Once the first color is dry, remove the first screen and install the second engraved screen (for the second color) onto the screen printer.

• Repeat the preparation process for the shirt and printing plate.

7. Apply the Second Color Ink:

• Open the jar of the second color ink (e.g., black) and stir it with the spatula.

• Apply a layer of black ink to the new screen.

• Use a squeegee to spread the ink across the design area, ensuring proper coverage.

8. Print and Dry the Second Color:

• Lower the second screen onto the shirt and drag the squeegee over the design to transfer the black ink. Apply even pressure for a consistent print.

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

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

9. Complete the Process:

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

• Let the shirt dry thoroughly before handling.