A brief review is presented of the current methods and materials used for staining and examination media in small cross-sectioned samples of painted or varnished structures. The limitations and advantages of the staining methods, are discussed, and criteria for their use presented. The applications and usefulness of different dyes are presented in case studies using a range of samples from different sources: a painting; exterior paint of a house; a polychrome bust, 4 pieces of furniture. Photographs, photomicrographs, diagrams, references.