The plastic with a matte finish and an irregular upper boundary acts like a real candle. The interior (ie above the lower part) lying "flame" is here a small cylindrical lamp that produces natural-looking flickering. From the side or at a slight angle above the lamp is not directly seen, so the illusion is maintained. The light is strong enough to act for real. In the bottom of the "burner plate" next to the "flame" is a small hole, rainwater derives down. The candle stands on a small base, so that the water can drain well. The only drawback: The battery housing must be on and screwed to. This is a small screwdriver required (eg width 2.9 mm). The necessary two D batteries to order best with the same since this size is (greater than baby cells = C-category) is not sold in normal supermarkets. For these batteries will last long and you have so the battery compartment screw rarely.