Don't give up yet! This is a lightly documented "Gotcha!" that messed with my mind for awhile too. The total value of the color+transparency+Reflection should not exceed 100% or the object begins to glow. You can cheat this 100% rule a little with the transparency and reflection combination but not with the color and transparency combination. Control color value with the different options available in the color selection window(change these options from the little pull down window on the color window). Color Value (darkness of color) is determined by the "L" in the HLS color wheel; L meaning Lightness. For RGB it its shown in the V of the HSV numbers; "V" meaning Value. Enter specific numbers or simply check them after using the eyedropper. The safest way to go is to use a dark value in the Color area and then actually control color of the object in the transparency area with an actual color selection. Hopefully the picture will explain it better than the words... Mark