a process and apparatus for heat laminating a light gauge plastic film to a heavier substrate material . the film and substrate are fed between rotating laminating rolls , one of which is heated , the rolls being urged against each other under pressure . prior to lamination , the substrate is positioned on a supporting surface of hard , flexible material in the form of an endless belt or sheet which passes between the rolls , or a smooth flexible sleeve secured to one of the laminating rolls . during lamination , the substrate adheres to the flexible supporting surface , and the substrate is maintained in engagement therewith for a predetermined time after lamination to permit the same to cool and stabilize in order to prevent the formation of ripples therein . the film may have a decorative coating applied to one face thereof , which is transferred to the substrate at the time of lamination and the film may be optionally peeled off the substrate leaving only the decorative coating applied to the substrate .