ANS:D - metal temperature.

The surface finish of a casting does not depend upon the metal temperature. Surface finish in casting is primarily influenced by factors such as the quality of the mold, the smoothness of the pattern, the properties of the molding sand (including its fineness), and any mold dressings or coatings applied to the mold cavity. These factors affect the texture and quality of the surface of the casting once it solidifies and is removed from the mold. While metal temperature does affect the casting process in terms of its fluidity, shrinkage, and other metallurgical properties, it does not directly influence the surface finish of the casting. Therefore, of the options provided, metal temperature is the one that does not play a significant role in determining the surface finish of a casting.