A bell plate is rotated about a rotational axis, and coating material is supplied to a discharge surface of the bell plate such that the coating material is projected away from the bell plate. A working fluid is blown at least temporarily as a transonic or supersonic flow onto the coating material coming from the bell plate by means of a dispensing device. Furthermore, a spray head for a rotary atomizer is provided for applying a coating material to an object, having a bell plate which can be rotated about a rotational axis and which has a discharge surface, wherein coating material can be supplied to the discharge surface such that the coating material is projected away from the bell plate. A dispensing device which can blow a working fluid at least temporarily as a transonic or supersonic flow onto the coating material coming from the bell plate.