Abstract: In an electrostatic particle spraying apparatus, a hand-held triggering mechanism is provided with a self-contained source of high D.C. voltage and a coupling sleeve into which a conventional aerosol spray can is inserted. A trigger mechanism is squeezed by a mechanism operator and closes a switch that completes an electrical connection between the D.C. voltage source and an electrode of the mechanism, creating an electric potential in the electrode. The electrode is positioned in the projected path of particle spray from the aerosol can, and continued depression of the trigger lever causes a hammer to contact and depress a nozzle tip of the aerosol can, releasing the pressurized fluid contents of the can from the nozzle tip in a projected path of particle spray. A distal end of the electrode extends into the projected path of particle spray.