Dear Michelle,
We have been using Richard Allen Hematoxylin 1 for many years with very
consistent results.  In Spokane, the tap water is very hard and we learned
along time ago that we must use distilled water on our stainer.  We use dH2O
both for the rinse before hematoxylin and after to prevent precipitation and
variable staining.  If you have access to distilled water, I think it will
clear up many of your problems.
Best of Luck!

Mickie

Michael L. Johnson, HT/HTL(ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
Sacred Heart Medical Center
W. 101 8th Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99220
(509) 626-4418
FAX (509) 455-2052
johnsom@shmc.org