Making Clear Plastic Sleeves for a 11 X 17 Paper Sign Holder

Make a clear plastic sleeve to protect your paper sign.

Paper sign holders are useful for roadside or yard signs for such functions as garage sales or church fundraisers. Protect the sign by making a clear plastic sleeve to slip over the paper, and then insert the plastic-covered sign into the holder. Make a clear plastic sleeve for an 11x17-inch paper sign holder in about 15 minutes. Clear plastic can be bought in sheets or rolls in varying thicknesses at craft and hobby stores.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Clear plastic - 8, 10 or 12 millimeters thick
• Yardstick
• Clear packing tape with dispenser - 2 inches wide
• Paper sign - 11 inches width by 17 inches length
• Paper sign holder

Instructions

1. Place the paper sign on top of the clear plastic. Ensure you have purchased clear plastic that is thick enough to hold upright without folding, but flexible enough to cut with scissors. According to RaBco Office Products, choose plastic in 8, 10 or 12-millimeter thicknesses for the best results.

2. Measure 1 inch wider and 1 inch longer than the paper sign with a yardstick. Cut along the yardstick for a straight cut. Cut two identical rectangles of clear plastic measuring 12 inches wide by 18 inches long.

3. Align the top 18-inch edges. Pull an 18-inch piece of clear packing tape from the roll dispenser, cutting it on the serrated cutting blade.

4. Align the tape with the 18-inch top edge so the top of the plastic edge is at the horizontal halfway point of the tape. Press the bottom half of the tape (1 inch wide) onto the top edge of the top plastic rectangle. Rub the tape to create a secure bond.

5. Flip the plastic pieces over (as one) and fold the top (1 inch wide) half of the tape over onto the top edge of the plastic rectangle. Press the tape to the plastic, rubbing it to create a secure bond between the tape adhesive and the plastic rectangle. Repeat steps three to five for the bottom edges of the plastic rectangles.

6. Slip the 11 inches wide by 17 inches long paper sign through one end of the plastic sleeve. You can tape one end or both ends of the plastic sleeve closed as you did for the top and bottom edges if desired or to secure the paper sign within the plastic sleeve. Insert the plastic-covered paper sign into the paper sign holder and use the sign holder and sign as intended for your purpose. According to the San Diego Environmental Services, putting paper signs into plastic sleeves protects the sign from the weather and damage from the elements.

Tips & Warnings

• Use colored tape to add extra emphasis to your paper sign.

• Use caution with serrated cutting edges on tape dispensers to avoid cuts and injuries.

References

• San Diego Environmental Services: Recycling Ordinance Guide
• RaBco Office Products: Plastic Sleeve Product Details