“Hope You Get Some”: 70 Funny Yard Signs That Might Actually Give ‘Karen’ Something To Smile At

The United States was awash with yard signs in the run-up to the mid-terms. Now that the big day has come and gone, many Americans are wondering what to do with the signs. Instead of throwing them in the bin, some experts suggest repurposing them.

"Corrugated plastic signs are strong and lightweight, making them a good starting material for plenty of DIY projects," reveals eSigns.com, and we'll get to some ideas a bit later...

The company's experts add that if you're not into DIY, you could also donate the yard signs. Start by checking if anyone in your area is looking for used yard signs. "Chances are you’ll find one," they say. "For example, Florida beekeeper Alma Johnson uses upcycled corrugated plastic signs to keep bees safe and warm. Tiny WPA, a nonprofit in Philadelphia, also takes in old campaign signs to be repurposed."

eSigns' experts say, whatever you do, think twice before binning old yard or election signs. They'll just end up in landfills and contribute to the demise of our planet. Instead, you could use one as a bike basket liner by cutting it to the exact dimensions of your bike basket and fitting it in. They claim it's near-indestructible.

You could also take inspiration from this funny list, repaint the sign and turn it into something that makes others laugh. "You can paint over a sign to create a proverbial blank canvas," the suggest. "These blank signs are perfect for DIY displays during small gatherings and celebrations at home."

Another option is to use the old sign as a chalkboard. You do this by simply painting it with chalkboard paint. Once it dries, you can use it as a toy, for retail displays, or to write a funny message on. Old yard signs can also be turned into storage boxes. All you need isa box cutter, glue, and some elbow grease.

"Even the sign stakes can be repurposed!" say the the experts. "Use the stakes together with a small cut-out of the yard sign to create easy-to-see labels for your garden crops and flowers."

Lastly, you can use old yard signs to strengthen your bags. "Small cut-outs of the plastic sign panels can add strength and durability to otherwise flimsy bags," reveals the eSigns team. "Keep one inside your bag for your next grocery trip."

The folks over at YardSigns.com say that when it comes to recycling signs, the material will determine your options. "Corrugated polypropylene is most reusable; plastic-coated paper is neither re-paintable nor recyclable," they reveal.

They suggest that when it comes to yard signs, you always buy for reuse from the start. "Choose UV-resistant inks, durable materials, and designs without dates to extend sign life across multiple cycles," advises the site.

Yard Signs' team says that corrugated plastic and aluminium signs hold up well across multiple seasons when stored properly. However, before you pack them away, there are a few steps you should follow. The first is to clean the sign by wiping both faces with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. Follow by rinsing with a hose and letting it air dry completely before stacking.

The second step is to inspect the sign for damage. "Check edges for brittleness or delamination," advise the experts. "If the flutes are crushed or the surface is cracked, the sign won’t survive another season outdoors."

Don't forget to remove or flatten the H-stakes. "Pull stakes free and bundle them separately with zip ties or rubber bands. Bent stakes can puncture other signs in storage," warn the experts, adding that you should always stack signs flat or allow them to stand vertically:

"Lay signs flat with a sheet of cardboard between each one, or stand them upright in a dry corner. Avoid leaning them against a wall at a sharp angle — that warps the panels over time."

When storing your signs, you'll want to label each bundle. Do this by putting a strip of masking tape on the edge, and writing the event name and year using a permanent marker. Your future self will thank you.