histological staining techniques

[scarletemo]

hey, during an experiment we were preparing tissue sample to be stained using H and E. we had to rehydrate the sample before entering it into the dye
i found out that the reason for this is to get the tissue to as life like state as possible before staining.
is there also some benefit for the actual stain?? i found something about the stain replacing the water within the cell...but it was a bit vague. can anybody shed any light on this
thankxx

[mith]

stain shows where whatever it binds to is.