What condition might create a curved spray pattern?

A curved spray pattern can result from a situation where one air nozzle is clogged. When a spray gun operates, all the air nozzles are designed to evenly distribute the air that atomizes the paint as it exits the gun. If one nozzle is blocked, it disrupts the uniform flow of air, leading to an imbalance in the spray pattern. As a consequence, the spray may become uneven and take on a curved shape instead of a smooth, flat pattern. This occurs because the obstructed nozzle fails to contribute to the intended force and dispersion necessary for a proper application of the paint.

Other conditions listed, such as excessive paint thickness or the gun being too far from the surface, may also affect the quality of the spray, but they do not directly result in a curved pattern caused by air distribution issues. The functioning of all air nozzles is crucial for achieving a straight spray, making a clogged nozzle the primary culprit for the described issue.