Die cutting is the process of cutting a shape out of a material or cutting a design into a material
. It is similar to printing, but in the die cutting process, a sharp steel die is used instead of a printing plate. This die is also called an embossing plate. Die cutting is used in several industries, as well as for personal use.
Wood is a popular material for cutting boards, butcher blocks and countertops. It is preferred over other cutting-board materials because it is less likely to collect and grow bacteria. Sealing a cutting board will prevent water and other liquids from seeping into the board and eventually causing it to split or crack. Openings in the wood invite bacteria to hide and grow. You can seal a cutting board with a lacquer material, but a penetrating oil is preferred, as lacquers can peel off over time.