diff --git a/core/src/net/sf/openrocket/appearance/AppearanceBuilder.java b/core/src/net/sf/openrocket/appearance/AppearanceBuilder.java
index 08bdd6724..778b662d2 100644
--- a/core/src/net/sf/openrocket/appearance/AppearanceBuilder.java
+++ b/core/src/net/sf/openrocket/appearance/AppearanceBuilder.java
@@ -51,8 +51,8 @@ public class AppearanceBuilder extends AbstractChangeSource {
 	*	Clears the builder cache and set to build blank appearances
 	*/
 	private void resetToDefaults() {
-		paint = new Color(0, 0, 0);
-		shine = 0;
+		paint = new Color(127, 127, 127);
+		shine = 0.3;
 		offsetU = offsetV = 0;
 		centerU = centerV = 0;
 		scaleU = scaleV = 1;