When I color buttercream icing I just can't get it red. I have tried the Christmas red, red red, and the no taste red. I have 2 orders for the 4th. I want my red to be nice and I hate to buy the Wilton already dyed red icing from the store. It, of course, doesn't taste homemade. How do I do this?
This link might help you: http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-357113-red.html+duff
I just got a beautiful bright shade of red for the Elmo cake I was making for my nephew tonight. I started off using Country Kitchen's cherry pink. Then I added a bit of Americolor burgundy and Tulip Red. Then I finished off with Americolor Super Red. Even though I was just coloring a small amount of royal icing (about 2 cups) I'd say I ended up putting in at least a tablespoon of food dye. Also, it didn't achieve it's final shade until about an hour after I'd colored it.
Americolor is available from CC. Here's the link to the gel colors: http://shop.cakecentral.com/americolor-soft-paste-p-963.html
I use Ck Candy-n-cake powdered food color. Comes out brilliant and doesn't have that bitter taste afterwards. I use it for all of my colors (that I can) for those that they don't sell in powder I buy Americolor and that's usually not often for my buttercream but maybe my fondant. I don't buy Wilton either. You do have to let it sit for a minute before it comes to it's true color also. Just my choice. Good luck! Very easy fix. 
Also, red takes a lot more food color that other colors (in my opinion). Do let it sit for a while since it does get darker over time.
When using Wilton colors, I start with the no taste red until almost the shade I want, then I add the Red Red.
Hope that helps.
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