[Histonet] How to get your stains more vibrant when cutting at 2μm?

[Angela Lamberth]

When I cut at 2μm my H&Es and special stains look pale. How can I get my
stains to pop or am I stuck with pale looking stains when sectioning that
thin?

I run manual specials and a manual regressive H&E. For H&E I've tried
increasing my time in hematoxylin (beyond the manufacturer recommendation),
diluting my acid alcohol differentiation, and increased time in eosin but
the slides still lack the vibrancy that many of the postdocs desire.

I use Shandon instant hematoxylin and alcoholic eosin by Thermo. Everything
else I prepare in house from scratch. Any recommendations?