RAISED-LETTER PRINTING PROCESS BEGINS IN CAPE

Larry Brewer is raising interest with a raised-letter printing process called thermography.

Brewer said his new business, Brewer Creative Printing (BCP), is the only one in the area producing thermography on site.

The work previously was done by printers in St. Louis, Memphis and Dallas, he said.

"This makes turnaround time much quicker," Brewer said. "It takes me two or three days rather than one to two weeks with going out of town.

"Raised-letter printing provides a more professional appearance and is more appealing," Brewer said. "It is more distinctive than flat printing."

The process of thermography involves application of a powder-fine resin during the offset printing process. The printing passes through a heating unit, which causes the resin to swell, projecting above the surface of the paper. The printing then passes through a cooling unit to cure the process. Brewer said he uses a Therm-O-Type brand unit for his work.

He said the thermograph process is not limited to letters or small artwork such as company logos; larger artwork can be done as well. The process can be printed with one or with several colors.

Brewer works out of his home north of Cape Girardeau on Route Y. He said the lower overhead cost allows him a more competitive pricing structure. He can be reached at 243-0554.

BCP prints brochures, fliers, booklets, letterheads, business cards, envelopes and more for commercial and individual customers. He uses a McIntosh computer coupled with a Laserjet printer for some of the work. BCP provides pickup and delivery service for its customers.

Brewer has 10 years of experience in the printing industry, including the thermography process. He and his wife, Gina, and their 4-year-old son moved to the area two years ago. Brewer also has a 9-year-old daughter.

He is planning an opening promotion soon that will offer discounted prices for thermography.