What are the steps for preparing and staining a wet mount slide?

Wet Mount Slide Steps

1. Place a sample on the slide.

2.Using a pipette, place a drop of water on the specimen. Then place on edge of the cover slip over the sample and carefully lower the cover slip into place using a toothpick or equivalent.

*This method will help prevent air bubbles from being trapped under the cover slip. Your objective is to have sufficient water to fill the space between cover slip and slide. If there is too much water, the cover slip will slide around. Take a piece of paper towel and hold it close to one edge of the cover slip. This will draw out some water. If too dry, add a drop of water beside the cover slip. Practice this until you get used to it.

Staining Steps

1. Prepare a wet mount slide.
2. Collect a drop of stain with an eye dropper or pipette.
3. Put a drop of stain on an outer edge of your cover slide.
4. Place a piece of napkin or paper towel against the opposite side of your cover slip, right up against the edge. This will help draw the stain under the cover and across the specimen.
5. You may need to add another drop to ensure complete coverage.
6. The slide is now ready for viewing.

Source: Microscope.com