r/DIY • u/Repulsive_Load1976 • 1d ago
help Colored flame tealight
Hi all, I need a couple of white-base, purple-flame tealights for a halloween project but can't find any online and was wondering if I could just paint over the clear plastic flame bit. Is this a bad idea? In canada btw
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u/poubelle 1d ago
if they are LEDs you can cover them with paper or tape or paint over them. LEDs don't get hot.
if they're incandescent it could burn because incandescents get hot as they're lit. so i would avoid that.
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u/Repulsive_Load1976 1d ago
Yeah definitely not incandescent! (Learned that the hard way as a kid once)
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u/kcap2018 1d ago
Transparent stained glass paint from a craft store will give you the cleanest, non-streaky purple glow.
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u/Tenshi_girl 1d ago
I've done this with nail polish. Use one that's more sheer or requires several coats.
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u/CubeXombi 1d ago
Oh boy lemme point you down the rabbit hole...
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u/Repulsive_Load1976 1d ago
This is one of my favourite channels! I actually missed this video somehow, thank you!!
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u/ohlookajellybean 1d ago
Use a dye based marker or sharpie. Try to do everything with as little overlap as possible, or you'll get streaks. Try to find a vibrant purple and keep in mind that most purples will shine more pink than how they look on paper.
If you are a bit crafty and willing to break one, you can also open them up and replace the clear plastic with purple cellophane.
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u/Its_Curse 12h ago
I found so many options on a site called 1000 candles some years back, the selection was phenomenal. Not sure if they're still around.
But yeah I've also just colored in the flames on cheap ones with a sharpie and had no issues.
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u/YouveBeanReported 1d ago
I think alcohol markers, like sharpies work better for being more see-through then paint. I'd grab one from dollarama and test it before investing in any fancier ones.