- Canva Magic Media: I used Canva Magic Media to generate the graphics.
- Adobe Illustrator: Then I used Adobe Illustrator to vectorize the graphics using image trace.
- File Format: Save your file as a png with a transparent background.
How to Screen Print on a Trucker Hat using the Riso MiScreen a4
1. Artwork
You can use everything from simple to high detail, halftone and photorealistic artwork. Just remember that each screen will only print one color. So if you want to print a design with multiple colors you have to make a screen for each color.
2. ScreenMaking Software
ScreenMaking is the software you use with the Riso MiScreen a4 that works on both Mac and PC computers. It's a simple and easy to use software that takes your graphics and shows you how it will burn it into the screen using the MiScreen a4.
- Load the artwork: Load the artwork into ScreenMaking by dropping it in.
- Slice Level: Adjust the Slice Level so you get as much detail as you want in your design.
- Placement: The dimensions of the art board are 210mm x 300mm or 8.2 inches wide by 11.8 inches tall. Where you place your artwork is where your design will burn on the mesh. To screen print on a trucker hat, place your artwork at the top center of the art board. The artwork should be facing the press not you.
- Mirror Image: Depending on the software version you may need to mirror your image so it comes out correctly on the MiScreen. This is also useful if you just want to print your artwork mirrored.
- Send Image: When you're ready to burn your mesh click send image to send it over to the MiScreen a4.
3. Making the Screen
- Mesh: We are going to be using 120 Pre Cut Mesh Sheets.
- Tape: Tape the edges of the Acrylic frame with 4 strips of double sided tape. Leave them covered for now.
- Apply the Mesh: Uncover the top strip and apply the top of the mesh to it with the matte side facing you and the shiny side facing away from you. If you can't tell which side is which you can lick your finger and rub the corner of the mesh. The sleeker side is the shiny side.
- Mesh pt 2: Throw the mesh over and away from the acrylic frame. Uncover the remaining 3 strips of double sided tape and place the mesh over the tape with both hands.
- Smooth it Out: Lift and re-place the side(s) of the mesh to smooth out the mesh and get good tension.
- Press the Tape: When you're happy with the mesh placement press the mesh to the tape with your finger or a plastic squeegee.
4. Burning the Mesh with the MiScreen
- Plug in the MiScreen: Plug in the MiScreen power cord and printer cable. Connect it to the computer and power it up.
- Send Image: Send the image from the ScreenMaking Software
- Load the Frame: Load the Acrylic Frame in the MiScreen by placing the screen in with the arrow facing forward. Line up the small and large holes to the pins and drop in the frame.
- Burn the Mesh: With the Acrylic frame in place, push down on the MiScreen and it will automatically start moving the acrylic frame and burning the image in the mesh. When it's done burning, it will automatically stop.Stop pressing down on the MiScreen and take the frame out.
5. Pre-Press
- Key Screen: Attach the acrylic frame to the Key Screen so we can use it on a screen printing press.
- Load and Register: Load the Key Screen on the Screen Printing Press and register it to the Captain Platen to make sure it's centered and straight.
- Captain Platen (Hat Platen): Use the Captain Platen (hat platen) and load the hat.
- Height: Adjust the height of the screen for the height of the Captain Platen.
- Key Tip - Registration: You can see the image in the mesh better after you print a test print. So if it's not straight at first you can re-register the image after the test print.
What to Use
6. Screen Print
- Test Print: Load a test hat and print a test print. The design should land approximately in the center of the trucker hat based on your preference.
- Ink: When you're happy with your test print, mix up some Ink and add ink to your screen.
- Squeegee: You want to use a squeegee that is slightly bigger than the design so you can print the entire image with one pull. You can also use a smaller squeegee and print from the side.
- Screen Printing Process: Load the hat, lower the screen, print the design, lift the screen, flood the print and set the squeegee aside. Then remove the trucker hat and cure the ink.
What to Use (Affiliate Links)
7. Curing the Ink
The time and temperature to cure the ink is based on the type of ink (plastisol, water based, etc.) and any additives (low cure, special effects, etc.) Many plastisol inks cure at 320°F as a reference but check with the manufacturer of your ink for the specifications.
Trucker hats are usually heat sensitive to so make sure you adjust the time and temperature to account for the heat sensitivity. Don't let the trucker hat directly touch the heat source.
- Using a Hot Air Heat Gun: Set the temperature of the hot air gun around 320°F - 350°F and go over the design one section at a time. Keep the hot air gun moving so it doesn't scorch the trucker hat and make sure the ink gets to the required temperature to properly cure.
- Using a Conveyor Dryer: Set the temperature and belt speed to properly cure your ink. Then lay the trucker hat on the conveyor with the print directly facing the heat source. Use a box to catch the tote bags on the other end.
- Key Tip: Don't stack the hats or touch the print before you cure the ink . You can carefully check if the ink it wet but be careful to not smudge wet ink on the trucker hat.
What to Use (Affiliate Links)
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