Abstract: Improved process for laminating two sheets, the surface of the primary sheet being sensitive to distortion by pressure or friction, by applying an adhesive to the back side of the primary sheet or to the mating side of the secondary sheet, or to both, contacting the mating side of the secondary sheet with the back side of the primary sheet and firmly pressing together the two sheets while avoiding the application of any pressure to the pressure-sensitive face side of the primary sheet until at least 50 percent of the terminal bond strength is developed, by maintaining the primary and secondary sheets taut and applying pressure from the back side of the secondary sheet. Laminates prepared according to the above process, such as tufted carpets comprising a primary backing material stitched with closely spaced tufts of yarn and a secondary backing material adhered thereto with an adhesive, have improved pile lay characteristics.