A method for laminating a substrate is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substrate on a conveyor belt of a lamination machine, the substrate comprising a transparent layer, an adhesive layer, and a core media layer, where the adhesive layer being positioned between the transparent layer and the core media layer; (b) moving the substrate through a first set of nip rollers; (c) applying a light energy source to the substrate; (d) moving the substrate through a second set of nip rollers to apply pressure to the substrate; and (e) moving the substrate through cooling fans. The light energy source activates the adhesive layer, causing the adhesive layer to soften and form a bond between the transparent layer and the core media layer; and the cooling fans cool the substrate causing the adhesive layer to harden.