Removing blue light from a reading light

Question

I have a reading light whose temperature is very high even on the lowest setting (marketed as 3000K, but feels higher). I want to filter away all of the blue light it emits. My first idea was to get a piece of transparent red plastic, (similar to those Japanese "checksheets") cut it to size, and glue it to each light source.

Here is what the object looks like. Skip to 1:35 for a view of the parts I'd have to cover. https://youtu.be/oY0W-FDZ8bU?t=95

1. Is there a better way of doing this? For instance using some kind of paint or gel?

2. If not, is there a better material to use than plastic?
3. Would it have to be red to block out all of the blue light, or could orange still get the job done?

Answer 1

The Mellow Yellow Reading Light Lifehack

You can make a transparent optical quality filtering "paint" by mixing gelatine powder with water and adding yellow food colour to the mix.

Apply (brush or dip) the filter gel when the surface of the luminary (bulb) is cold and let dry. Multiple layers are additive and have greater effect than a single layer. After some use, the gel may fade but it can be remixed and reapplied to suit your taste.

Of course, you can also make 'caps' to clip/slip on the ends if you don't want to put the gel directly on your new reading light. Alternately, appropriate-size transparent pill bottles can be cut in half to use as clip/slip on filters. Use the bottoms coated with the gel filter.

Some experimentation will be necessary for you to find the right concentration of the gelatine and water. You'll want it to be a bit more concentrated than for making it to eat for desert.

Good luck.