It seems no matter how hard I try I cant make a true red icing and my black seems more grey any suggestions would be great....

what are you using to make these? cake colour gels, liquid or powders?

I have actually tried all three I have the red powder that I tried it was called Poinsetta, I just bought some gel in a tube that was called bright red that turned the brightest pink ever and then I have tried several differnet red gels in the little plastic containers I'm beginning to think I'm never going to get it..

Super red & Super black from Americolor!

I get my best black when I start with chocolate frosting. So I would say if you are using a 'white' frosting add some brown coloring to your gray. Good luck!