Simmzy's Surf Mobile Tee In Dusty Blue Recipe

Select a pre-made blank tee in the desired size composed of combed ring-spun cotton for best print results. Ensure the tee is clean and free of any sizing or finishes by washing once without fabric softener; dry fully.

Prepare Dye Bath

Put on protective gloves. Fill the large plastic tub with 1,000 ml of warm water (about 40–50°C). Dissolve 25 g of dusty blue reactive dye thoroughly in a small portion of warm water, then add to the tub and stir until evenly distributed.

Fix Dye (if using reactive dye)

Dissolve 15 g soda ash in 100 ml warm water separately and add to the dye vat, stirring gently. This raises pH and helps the dye bond to the cotton fibers. If using a pigment or direct dye, use the manufacturer's fixative instructions instead (10 g non-chlorine fixative added to the bath if recommended).

Wet the tee thoroughly with warm water and submerge it in the dye bath. Move the tee periodically for even color. Hold it in the bath for 20–30 minutes, checking tone frequently; longer immersion deepens color. For a subtle dusty blue, aim for 20 minutes and for a deeper dusty shade, 30 minutes.

Remove the tee and rinse under cool running water until the water runs mostly clear. Wash the tee in warm water with a mild detergent to remove unfixed dye, then rinse again and dry completely before printing. If using a non-reactive pigment dye, follow curing instructions (often heat set) from the pigment manufacturer.

Prepare Screen or Transfer

If screen printing: coat the screen mesh with 15 ml emulsion in a thin, even layer, allow to dry in a dark area. Expose the emulsion with the Simmzy's Surf Mobile artwork positive according to emulsion instructions, then wash out the unexposed areas to reveal the stencil. If using heat transfer vinyl or transfer paper, cut the artwork to size and weed excess material.

Align the Artwork

Place the dried, dyed tee on a flat platen or board. Position the screen or transfer so the design sits centered on the chest (typically 9–11 inches down from the collar depending on size). Use temporary adhesive spray or tape to keep the tee taught and the stencil aligned.

Ink the Print

For screen printing: pour navy water-based plastisol (30 g) along top edge of the screen. Using a squeegee at a 45-degree angle, pull ink across the stencil in one firm motion, then do a second pass if ink coverage is thin. For multi-color work: print navy outlines first, flash-cure briefly (about 30–60 seconds with a heat gun or conveyor dryer) then print off-white highlights (20 g) and cure fully. If using heat transfer vinyl: weed and apply vinyl with a heat press or iron at the manufacturer's temperature and timing guidelines.

Cure Ink

Cure the printed areas according to ink type. For water-based plastisol, use a conveyor dryer or flash with a heat gun then cure at around 320°F (160°C) for 60–90 seconds, or until ink reaches the recommended temperature and is no longer tacky. For heat-transfer, press for the specified time and pressure and allow to cool before peeling carrier.

Inspect the tee for even color, crisp print edges, and proper adhesion of ink. Touch up any small areas with a fine brush and matching ink, then re-cure those spots.

Wash the finished tee separately once before wear to remove any residual dye or loose pigment. Use cold water and mild detergent; tumble dry low or air dry.

Label the tee as 'Simmzy's Surf Mobile — Dusty Blue' and fold or package as desired.