Paint help... well more like paint color help

[sd_dreamcrystal]

I'm stalling on finishing a custom for one reason... the red paint. I'm using Createx Red (opaque) but it's not turning out how I want it to x.x

a) I can't get the color even - I'm painting the pony's wings and the color is just not going even
b) It's darker than I want, although it could be just how I'm painting it... I need the red to be a bright color

If I try adding white to it, well the color of course turns pink... even tried painting over white before and there was still unevenness in the color... I had the same problem with the blue before that I need to put on this custom too... so what do you guys suggest I use for a color? I'm even considering using craft paint if I have to for this. Just the way she is going right now I'm not happy.

[Colorscapesart]

To get the lighter shade, you could use a dab of yellow with your white, but this will only work to a point before it becomes orange.  It could still help brighten the color a bit. 

Createx red is a good red, but all reds are a pita, honestly.  What are you using to apply the paint?  Like painting white over black, it will take ridiculous patience with thin layers to get a close to even appearance.  Red and yellow are some of the hardest color to work on a FBR.  Have you tried make up sponges?