Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composite adhesive used to adhere coating materials onto a substrate wherein the substrate material and the coating material have significantly different expansion properties, e.g., thermoplastic coating materials onto cellulose based substrate materials. The composite adhesive comprises both a rigid adhesive such as an epoxy or acrylic and a laminating adhesive such as a rubber based contact cement. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composite adhesive is used in preparing composite articles such as counters, sinks, furniture, profile edging, chemical resistant lab tops, showers, etc. In another preferred embodiment according to the invention, the rigid adhesive is applied over a narrow portion of the coating material, substrate, or both, preferably the exterior region of said material, and the laminating adhesive is applied over the remainder of the surface area to be adhered.