This project guide will show you how to screen print a t-shirt using two colors, our silkscreen Design-Pro Stencils, and your artwork.

Step 1: Prepare your artwork

First, we came up with the concept for our design, the theme and the color scheme. Of course, it is completely up to you as to what you want to express or portray in your artwork.

Step 2: Separate your artwork into colors and convert each color layer to black and white

Since our artwork has two colors, we only need to separate it into two layers or images - one red and one black. There are two ways of doing this:

1). Create another copy of your image by using the Copy [Ctrl+C] and Paste [Ctrl+V] (a new layer will be created) or by duplicating the current layer. Then, using the Pencil tool or Paint Brush tool, set to the color of your background, block out the parts of the image that are not the same color. For example, using the artwork in our example, we will create black color separation by removing or blocking out all red parts of our image and do the opposite for the red. An Eraser tool can also be used to remove unwanted areas of the image.
2). Select each color using the Magic Wand tool, Copy [Ctrl+C] and Paste [Ctrl+V] the selections back onto the image (a new layer will be created).

Alternatively, since we only have two colors to deal with, we can create the outline of our image by making a one color separation for the entire image. This way, we'll print the entire image in black, then do an overprint in red using our red color separation (see image on the left, "Separation I - Alternative").

As far as the polar bear, we have several choices: 1. create a stencil for each shade of grey, 2. convert it to halftone, or 3. use one of the graphics software filters/tools/effects, such as Rubber Stamp effect in Photoshop, which will make the polar bear more high contrast and solid; thus, suitable for use with our silk screen stencils.

We have decided to convert the polar bear to halftone. Halftoning is a method of representing shades of grey by adjusting the number of black and white dots. Most graphics editing software supports the creation of halftones. Remember: Grey scale is not the same as black and white in the context of Design-Pro. Make sure your final drawing is truly black and white only, no grey levels in between.

Step 3: Print your artwork and make stencils

For best results, we recommend printing on transparency orvellum, available here. Plain white 20lbs. or less (laser, inkjet, or copy) paper can also be used. Instructions on how to make your stencils are here.

Step 4: Position your Design-Pro stencil on the T-Shirt shiny side down

Use the plastic frame to evenly distribute the pressure over the stencil, as well as to prevent stretching and distortion. We have also inserted a piece of cardboard inside the t-shirt for support and to prevent bleeding. Notice that this time we chose to print the outline layer (see "Separation I - Alternative "on the left).

Step 5: Spread Black or Black silk screening ink onto the stencil

Hint: make a neat thick line of paint. There should be enough paint to cover the entire image on the stencil.

Step 6: Spread Paint evenly onto the stencil with the squeegee
Use the following tips to avoid bleeding and pinholes:

• Use plenty of paint.
• Keep squeegee at no lower then 45º angle. This will help prevent
bleeding under the stencil.
• Use even strokes and go back and forth only once. Avoid
the tendency to paint.
• Lift the stencil slowly. Lifting too fast will create bubbles
and possible pinholes.

Step 7: Lift the Design-Pro stencil and verify that you have even ink coverage
You may need to carefully lower the stencil back on the T-Shirt and make another pass.
If we were making a one color print t-shirt, we could stop here; otherwise, read on to find out how to apply a second color.

Step 8: Rinse the used Design-Pro stencil with water and dry Brush and rinse with water. Use a plastic canvas to support the stencil during rinsing or cleaning screen printing ink.

Step 9: Repeat steps 4 through 8 to apply

You can use the BASICS Red, Bright Red, or Bright Red. Start out by placing the second stencil on the T-Shirt and aligning it with the image that we had applied using the separation II (see "Color Separation II - Print II" on the left).

Step 10: Spread Paint evenly onto the stencil with thesqueegee.
Use the following tips to avoid bleeding and pinholes:

• Use plenty of paint.
• Keep squeegee at no lower then 45º angle. This will help prevent
bleeding under the stencil.
• Use even strokes and go back and forth only once. Avoid
the tendency to paint.
• Lift the stencil slowly. Lifting too fast will create bubbles
and possible pinholes.

Step 19: Carefully lift the stencil, rinse it with tap water and allow it to dry before next use. Allow the freshly applied paint on the T-Shirt to dry until it's a little bit tacky

Congratulations! You have completed the Screen Printing a T-Shirt Using Two Colors project!