I know the default filter for sprites is white, but is it possible to filter a colour so I can make it white or another lighter colour?
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Some talk about it here:
http://www.scirra.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3906&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=color+filter
You mean you want the object to be lightened by the filter?
You cannot do that with the filter property, it only supports reducing colour channels. Use the tint plus effect to boost colour channels.
Or you can make your sprites white, then use the filter to change their color.