CO.sub.2 -assisted spray gun and nozzle

A spray gun nozzle for the spraying of atomized liquids with the assistance of pressurized carbon dioxide gas, comprising:

• a) a liquid spray orifice positioned along an axis and having means for receiving a source of pressurized liquid;
• b) a plurality of first gas jet orifices positioned symmetrically about the axis of said liquid spray orifice, each of said gas jet orifices having means for receiving a source of pressurized carbon dioxide gas;
• c) a shield member symmetrically positioned about said axis and extending axially from proximate said liquid spray orifice to a predetermined distance downstream from said liquid spray orifice, said shield member having a downstream opening to permit the passage of atomized liquid particles therethrough, and having a plurality of further gas jet orifices therein, each of said further gas jet orifices being generally directed toward said axis;
• and
• d) means for supplying a source of pressurized carbon dioxide gas to said further gas jet orifices;
• whereby said carbon dioxide gas emitted from said plurality of further gas jet orifices in said shield member envelopes said atomized liquids and thereby prevents entrainment of air with said atomized liquids.