A simple method for staining with lead at high pH in electron microscopy is described. The lead hydroxide stain, originally developed by Watson, has been widely used but is prone to precipitation when exposed to air. To address this, two alternative methods are presented, which are simpler and more stable. These methods use highly alkaline solutions (pH > 11.5) of lead salts, which produce stable, rapidly staining solutions that minimize precipitation. The solutions are easy to prepare, store, and use, and can be applied to various embedding media, including epoxide resins. The staining process involves a simple chamber with a wax surface and NaOH pellets, allowing multiple grids to be stained simultaneously. Staining times vary depending on the material and desired contrast. The results show strong staining for osmium-tetroxide-fixed materials, with no significant tissue degradation within the staining times. The mechanism of staining is thought to involve the plumbite ion (Pb(OH)₃⁻ or Pb(OH)₄²⁻) formed at high pH, which binds to tissue components through hydrogen bonding rather than ionic interactions. The plumbite ion is responsible for the staining, and the stability of the solution is enhanced by the use of sodium cacodylate. Method B produces a more stable solution than Method A and is preferred in many cases. The study highlights the effectiveness of these methods for electron microscopy staining, with results comparable to traditional techniques. The work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health.A simple method for staining with lead at high pH in electron microscopy is described. The lead hydroxide stain, originally developed by Watson, has been widely used but is prone to precipitation when exposed to air. To address this, two alternative methods are presented, which are simpler and more stable. These methods use highly alkaline solutions (pH > 11.5) of lead salts, which produce stable, rapidly staining solutions that minimize precipitation. The solutions are easy to prepare, store, and use, and can be applied to various embedding media, including epoxide resins. The staining process involves a simple chamber with a wax surface and NaOH pellets, allowing multiple grids to be stained simultaneously. Staining times vary depending on the material and desired contrast. The results show strong staining for osmium-tetroxide-fixed materials, with no significant tissue degradation within the staining times. The mechanism of staining is thought to involve the plumbite ion (Pb(OH)₃⁻ or Pb(OH)₄²⁻) formed at high pH, which binds to tissue components through hydrogen bonding rather than ionic interactions. The plumbite ion is responsible for the staining, and the stability of the solution is enhanced by the use of sodium cacodylate. Method B produces a more stable solution than Method A and is preferred in many cases. The study highlights the effectiveness of these methods for electron microscopy staining, with results comparable to traditional techniques. The work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health.