A good protest sign is a powerful tool because it’s memorable and it uplifts those moving in solidarity toward a shared goal. The best part is a good protest sign doesn’t have to be complicated to make.
We stock our Resource Library with pay-what-you-want designs you can use for protest signs, flyers, handouts — whatever! This weekend we took our printable 13×19-inch Musk and Trump clown posters to the local Hands Off rally using the method below, and they were a big hit!
Here’s how to turn one of our printables into a ready-to-roll sign in about 10 minutes flat, using stuff you probably already have at home.
Step 1: Download and Print
Head to the Chaotic Good Trouble Resource Library and pick your favorite design (or two or three — we won’t stop you). Most designs are formatted to print on standard 8.5″ x 11″ letter paper but we’re starting to add larger sizes like 11×17 and 13×19. Click the download link and print two copies — one for each side of your sign. (Or do different designs on each side!)
🔥 Pro tip: Want a bigger sign but can only print letter size? No problem. You can tile your design across multiple sheets of letter-size paper and tape them together like a puzzle. Your printer may have built-in options for this or you can use Adobe Acrobat — the free version has built in tools for this!
Step 2: Find Some Cardboard
Time to raid the recycling bin. Grab any sturdy cardboard you’ve got on hand — shipping boxes, old packaging, whatever. Cut it down to fit your sign printouts.
📦 You can get free cardboard from literally any small business. We are drowning in cardboard.
Step 3: Stick It On
Use a glue stick, spray adhesive, double-sided tape, or even regular packing tape to attach your printed design to the cardboard. Smooth it out as you go to avoid wrinkles.
Then flip it and repeat on the other side with your second copy. Now you’ve got a double-sided sign, ready for waving and truth-telling from all directions.
Step 4: Waterproof It (Optional)
Weather is unpredictable, and your hands get sweaty. Probably. You can protect your sign by wrapping it in clear packing tape. Just overlap strips of tape across the front, back, and edges. It gives it a little shine and a lot more staying power.
🌍 This step is pretty terrible for the environment unless you use biodegradable packing tape, but maybe it’s an OK tradeoff if your waterproofed sign gets a lot of use.
Step 5: Take It to the Streets
Now you’re ready to go. Your sign is lightweight, handmade, and ready for the fight. Bring it to the protest, prop it in your window, pose with it for a photo, or plant it on your lawn like a tiny act of rebellion. If you share it online, tag us @chaoticgoodtrouble — we’d love to see what you made.