Anyway to get bright colors or just pastel?

The best way to color SMBC is with coloring for candy, because it is oil based and blends better with the buttercream. You wont get true primary color shades like you would from a shortening based frosting, but they still look nice.

Thank you I did try that and the color is better but it really makes the consistance extra soft. Any help with that?

I personally think if you're going to the trouble of making any meringue Bc...why muck it up with a bunch of food coloring? I'll do soft pastel colors if I *have* to, but if someone wants bright colors, fondant it is.

ditto!