Blekksamspill

Blekksamspill is a Norwegian term used to describe two related phenomena involving ink. In printing and visual art it denotes the diffusion or spread of ink on an absorbent substrate, where pigment migrates beyond its intended boundary. In everyday language it can also refer to an actual spill or release of ink from a container, such as a printer cartridge or dye spill. The term is primarily found in Norwegian-language contexts.

In the printing and paper-arts sense, blekksamspill is closely associated with bleeding or feathering, where ink bleeds into adjacent areas due to moisture, paper porosity, or low surface coatings. Factors include ink viscosity, drying time, and substrate surface. Practitioners may seek to minimize unwanted blekksamspill by choosing higher-quality paper, adjusting ink formulation, or applying sealants; conversely, some artists exploit the effect to create soft edges and textures.

In environmental or occupational contexts, blekksamspill refers to accidental releases of ink. Cleanup emphasizes containment, absorption of spilled liquid, proper ventilation, and disposal as regulated waste. The specific procedures depend on ink composition (water-based versus solvent-based), local regulations, and the potential hazards of pigments or solvents.

Etymology and usage notes: blekk means ink and samspill means interaction or interplay. The compound is most often used in Norwegian technical writing about printing, art, and safety. It is not a widely standardized term in English-language discourse.