diff --git a/blendish.h b/blendish.h
index 1ec9e99..30bc3cb 100644
--- a/blendish.h
+++ b/blendish.h
@@ -1158,7 +1158,7 @@ static double bnd_fmax ( double a, double b )
 #define BND_LABEL_SEPARATOR ": "
 
 // alpha intensity of transparent items (0xa4)
-#define BND_TRANSPARENT_ALPHA 1.0
+#define BND_TRANSPARENT_ALPHA 0.9
 
 // shade intensity of beveled panels
 #define BND_BEVEL_SHADE 30