Which process turns liquid paint into a fine mist for spray application?

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Atomization is the process that turns liquid paint into a fine mist so it can be sprayed onto a surface. In automotive refinishing, a spray gun uses compressed air to shear the paint as it exits the nozzle, creating tiny droplets that are carried to the surface to form an even coating as the solvent begins to evaporate. The droplet size matters a lot for a smooth finish and proper coverage. Spraying is the act of applying paint with a spray device, not how the liquid becomes droplets. Drying is the evaporation of solvents after application, and settling is droplets falling out of the air due to gravity.