Blekkprinsippet

Blekkprinsippet is a term used in printing and graphic reproduction to describe how the interaction between ink, the printing substrate, and drying dynamics shapes the final appearance of a printed image. The principle emphasizes that the visual result depends on the balance between ink film thickness, ink properties, and the porosity and surface of the substrate.

Key aspects of the principle include ink laydown, dot gain, and color accuracy. Too much ink can cause bleed, smudging, longer drying times, and loss of sharpness, while too little ink can yield weak colors and poor coverage. Dot gain occurs when ink spreads beyond its intended halftone dot, altering the perceived tone and color. Achieving consistent results requires careful control of ink viscosity, tack, printing speed, and substrate moisture, as well as precise color management.

In color printing, the blekkprinsippet is applied within the subtractive color model using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. Accurate reproduction depends on predictable ink behavior, proper registration, and calibrated press conditions. The concept is important in prepress planning, pressroom operations, and quality control, where designers and technicians consider ink-film balance and substrate characteristics to ensure faithful color reproduction and sharpness.

The term is most commonly used in Norwegian printing contexts, where it is taught as a foundational concept in printing technology and graphic design. Related concepts include ink transfer, drying time, paper stock selection, and color management.