A
system for positioning a spray apparatus relative to a surface, in which the spray apparatus directs a liquid
coating such as paint toward the surface for applying the liquid to the surface in a spray pattern. A
light beam emitter is interconnected with the spray apparatus, and emits a
light beam in a predetermined orientation relative to the spray pattern such that the
light beam strikes the surface in a center defined by the spray pattern when the spray apparatus is positioned a predetermined distance from the surface. The light beam is oriented such that the distance of the spray apparatus corresponds to a distance providing optimal application of the
coating to the surface, to minimize waste and overspray. The light beam emitter may be engaged with the spray apparatus by a releasable mounting arrangement, such that the light beam emitter can be selectively mounted to the spray apparatus. The light beam is emitted from a light beam emitter housing, such as a
laser generator. The angle of the light beam relative to the spray pattern can be adjusted so as to vary the distance from the surface at which the light beam coincides with the center of the spray pattern, to provide a gauge for optimal spray application for varying spray parameters.