Which factor contributes to a poor paint finish characterized by orange peel?

A poor paint finish characterized by orange peel is primarily influenced by the atomization quality of the paint as it is applied. Low air pressure during application can prevent the paint from properly breaking up into fine particles, resulting in an uneven surface texture known as orange peel. When the air pressure is insufficient, the paint atoms do not get pushed out of the spray gun effectively, leading to a thicker application that dries with an irregular, bumpy finish, resembling the texture of an orange peel.

While other factors such as gun distance, paint viscosity, and overlap do contribute to the overall quality of the paint application, low air pressure directly affects the atomization process. As a result, it is crucial to maintain the correct air pressure to achieve a smooth finish and avoid the unsightly orange peel effect.