Opspattering

Opspattering is a term used in Dutch, Norwegian, and some related languages to describe the action and pattern produced when liquid droplets are projected onto a surface. The word combines op- meaning onto with spatten, meaning to splash, and as a noun it can refer to both the act of splashing and the resulting droplet pattern.

In art and design, opspattering denotes a technique in which paint or other media is applied by throwing, flicking, or otherwise dispersing droplets onto a surface. This approach is related to splatter painting and is valued for its spontaneous texture, irregular edges, and sense of movement. Practitioners may use brushes, air, or tools to control droplet size and distribution, producing a range of visual effects from delicate specks to dense fields of droplets.

In scientific, industrial, and safety contexts, opspattering can describe the unintended spread of liquids during handling, processing, or coating operations. Such splatter can pose contamination or exposure risks, prompting the use of shields, containment systems, personal protective equipment, and cleaning protocols to minimize impact.

Related terms in English include splatter and splashing, which describe similar phenomena in different linguistic or cultural contexts. See also splatter painting, spray painting, and liquid handling safety.