Which shape of paint spray indicates a need to clean and check the air cap?

A crescent-shaped pattern in paint spray typically indicates that there is an issue with the spray nozzle, particularly the air cap. The formation of this pattern suggests that the airflow is not properly balanced, which can happen if the air cap is dirty or otherwise obstructed.

In a well-functioning spray gun, you would expect to see a rounded spray pattern that distributes paint evenly. A crescent shape indicates that the spray is not forming correctly, likely due to restrictions in airflow, leading to uneven application. Cleaning and checking the air cap can restore proper airflow and ensure a consistent and even spray pattern, which is essential for achieving high-quality finishes in painting and refinishing tasks.

Other patterns such as the figure 8, round, and droplet do not reliably indicate the same issue with the air cap and may result from different factors such as operator technique or the fluid dynamics of the paint itself.