Screen Printing with Vinyl: Buffalo Plaid Shamrock for St. Patrick’s Day

Feb 27, 2020 | Cricut Projects, Project Ideas, Screen Printing, St. Patrick's Day, Vinyl Projects


This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.


screen printing vinyl cricut how to

If you recently learned how to screen print, you might be ready to start experimenting with layering inks. Similar to iron-on vinyl, you can layer your ink colors when screen printing. With HTV, it's easy to see and line up layers.  With screen printing you are working in reverse, so it's a little tricky to see through the vinyl on your screen to line up the layers.  Today, I'm sharing a few tips and tricks that will help you successfully screen print multi-color designs.

The most important key to layering inks is to make sure that the first color is dry before adding the next color.  If you're not in a hurry, you can leave your shirt to air dry overnight.  I like to put mine under a fan.  But, if you are in a hurry to get it done, you can use a heat gun (or flash dryer) to speed up the process.   After applying the first ink color to all of your shirts, remove the vinyl and wash your screen.  Then, use your heat gun to dry the ink.  Apply your next vinyl layer to your screen and you are ready to screen print the next color.

Keep reading below for more tips and tricks.

screen printing with vinyl tutorial 2 color

If you are new to screen printing with your Cricut or Silhouette, start here for all of the details and supplies you will need.

Supplies Used in This Project

multi color screen printing with vinyl explained

Screen Printing Multi Color Designs with Vinyl

Tips and Tricks for Multi-Color Designs

  • Setup registration marks in your design program as part of your vinyl cut file.   These boxes will help you align the layers on your shirt. You can find more detailed step-by-step instructions on how to setup registration marks in my ebook, “The Complete Guide to Screen Printing with Craft Vinyl.”
  • Make sure your green ink is dry before adding the black on top.  If your ink is not completely dry, the colors may bleed together.  You can allow your shirt to air dry or speed up the process with a heat gun.
  • Put parchment paper inside your shirt just in case ink bleeds through the shirt.  This will prevent it from getting on the back of your shirt.
  • When layering inks, you typically want to work from light to dark with your ink colors. Black is almost always the last because it is hard for other ink colors to cover it up.
  • You do not need multiple Speedball screen printing frames to do multiple colors.  While you are waiting on your first color to dry, your screen can be washed and dried for reuse.  The screen typically dries faster than the ink on the shirt anyways.
  • Wear your green on St. Patrick's Day so you don't get pinched!

easy screen printing buffalo plaid tutorial

Free Buffalo Plaid Shamrock Cut File



3 Comments

  1. I don’t understand how to separate the two layers off this file

    Reply
    • It keeps freezing my computer due to the large size of the plaid

      Reply
  2. Hi, Jennifer how are you, where can I find the ring you use to take vinyl when you are peeling it ? thanks

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay in touch

Cart

Want to get the latest screen printing tips and tricks delivered to your inbox?

Join my email list and be the first to know about new techniques and project ideas!