I’ve just picked up a few Lionel 262 crossing gates and they use the old two pin style Lionel #19 push in bulbs. I’ve got a huge box full of those bulbs, but they’re clear instead of red. I’m thinking of picking up a spray can of red high temp engine paint from AutoZone/Pep Boys, etc. and trying it out. I figure the paint will be okay for when the bulbs get warm. Has anyone else tried this? Thanks ahead of time!
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That paint won’t stick to glass to save your soul,....I promise you that!.....Krylon sells a product specific for painting on glass, not sure how well it’ll hold up to heat, ...maybe try Google for something like frost color for light bulbs,....engine enamel will fall off as soon as look at you,...
Pat
My LHS carries Tamiya Acrylic X-27 Clear paints. I dip bulbs in red and use masking tape on the bases to hang them for drying. Works well. There are other brands - look for "clear" or "transparent" on the label.
I also recommend the Tamiya paint. Like Tracker John says, "Clear Red" is the color you want, color code X-27. Here's what the bottle looks like.
I get perfectly acceptable results with 98¢ red rattlecan paint from Walleyworld, myself. 
EDIT: The secret is to bake the bulbs at low (about 150° F) in a toaster oven for 15 minutes or so after painting.
Mitch
I never used anything but a cheap can of spray paint. Worked well.
I bought some bulb dye (red, green, yellow & frosted) from a bulb dealer at York a long time ago and they worked very well. It is a clear tinted dye. I think it was "Ralph the bulb guy". I don't know if he is still around. Hope this helps.
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