Abstract: A coating dispensing apparatus includes an atomizer and a housing for the atomizer. The housing includes a forward end defining an opening through which coating material dispensed by the atomizer is discharged. The forward end includes an inner portion and an outer portion. One of the inner portion and the outer portion includes a first surface. The other of the inner and outer portions includes a second surface. At least one of the first and second surfaces includes grooves which extend to the forward end and terminate around the opening. Compressed gas supplied to the grooves remote from the opening flows toward the forward end and exits from the grooves around the opening.