Final answer:
Correct option: D. Combining. In the manufacturing process of paint, the stage where binders are added to the mixture is referred to as the Combining stage. The binder is essential for holding the pigment in place once the solvent evaporates, ensuring proper adhesion and finish of the paint on the surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of manufacturing paint involves several key steps, including combining various components to create the final product.
When binders are added to a paint mixture, this occurs in the Combining stage of the process. Binders are crucial in paint formation as they serve as the film-forming component, holding the pigment particles together in a cohesive film after the solvent evaporates. Adding binders ensures that once the paint is applied to a surface and the solvent evaporates, the pigment remains adhered and the paint's final finish is achieved. This acts as a matrix that encapsulates the pigment and provides adhesion to the surface being painted.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: