How to Make Protest Signs With Duct Tape for Under $10 (NYPD Compliant)

1. Quick Instructable on how to make a protest sign for a legal protest that complies with all NYPD regulations.
2. NYPD regulations stipulate that protest signs cannot contain wood, PVC or metal. This is to prevent them from being used as weapons.
3. This sign was made and used in Manhattan, NYC to protest the Vatican's crackdown on Catholic Sisters in the United States.
4. The design goals for this project are to be inexpensive, durable, visibly stand out and quick to build.

Step 1: Supplies (mostly From Home Depot)

1. Small Home Depot box 16x12x12
2. Orange duct tape
3. Masking tape
4. Scissors
5. 5 paint sample cards
6. About 6 sheets of printer paper (can get from Staples)
7. String (old boot laces would work)
8. The rug sample on the left could be discarded.

Step 2: Tape Up Box

1. Use the masking tape to close up the flattened box to make it a solid piece.
2. Be sure to tape the top, bottom and flaps.

Step 3: Cover One Side With Paper

1. Using the sheets of printer paper, cover one side of the box.
2. Use the masking tape to secure the paper to the box and each other.

Step 4: Use Duct Tape for Lettering

1. Using the orange duct tape and scissors, cut pieces horizontally that are about 1/2 the width of the tape.
2. Use these to form letters.
3. Size the letters according to the number of words. As a general guide, perhaps 6 inches high by 3 inches wide.

Step 5: Carrying Handle

1. Use the scissors to punch 2 holes in the bottom of the sign.
2. Push the string through them and tie a knot to form handle.

Step 6: Additional Messages

1. Using the paint sample cards, write an additional message that you would wish to convey.
2. In this case, we put a website on them. You can also repeat the duct tape message.
3. Using the orange duct tape, tape them on to the front of the sign.

Step 7: Sign Being Transported

1. Here, the protest sign is being transported on a NYC subway car.
2. Note the handle at the top.
3. On the day this picture was taken, there was some light rain, which the sign was able to withstand.

Step 8: To the Barricades! (Enhancement #1)

1. Sign in action at NYPD barricades on 5th Ave in Midtown Manhattan just north of St. Patrick's Cathedral.
2. One enhancement that I made was a cardboard pole that I found in the garbage.
3. I covered the pole in grey duct tape and secured it to the back of the sign using duct tape.

Step 9: Back of the Sign - Enhancement #2

1. A second enhancement that I thought of was to print the slogan that is on the front of the sign on 4 separate pieces of paper.
2. Then attach all 4 pieces to the back of the sign using the orange duct tape. You should have some orange duct tape left over.

Step 10: Protest Sign in Action at St. Patrick's Cathedral

Protest sign photographed during the protest at the doors of St. Patrick's Cathedral, NYC

Step 11: Protest Sign at St. Patrick's Cathedral #2

1. Another view of the protest sign at St. Patrick's Cathedral, leaning on one of the marble pillars leading to the entrance.
2. Note the orange duct tape securing the cardboard pole to the sign.
3. The papers on the upper part of the sign are covering up the tape that is holding the sign to the pole. This leads to a slightly cleaner appearance.