I know this has been a topic before, but I don't know what to do. I am trying to get 'bandana' color red. I'm using the wilton buttercream recipe, and I've used 1/2 container of the no taste red, along with mixing other color reds to try and get it dark enough. And I'm having the same problem alot of people have had, it's seperating. I don't know whether to throw it out and start over or what.....red is frustrating! I'm using wilton, Kountry Kitchens, and americolor red. It's still looking a little on the pink side. Is there a better buttercream recipe I can try?

How much icing are you trying to color? Have you allowed it to sit and ripen/mature?

When I make red, I never start with white icing and add red. I make a dark pink icing with pink food coloring, let it stand and mature over night, and then use Americolor Red Red. Let that stand for a while for the color to mature, and you should have a nice vibrant red.

Add some cornstarch into it. That will help with the separating issues. No need to throw it out.

Another tip I picked up from one of my students, if you do decide to start over, use the red liquid food coloring in place of the liquid in your icing.