<< How can one tell if a color is "staining" as opposed to "printing"?
>>
I think you are asking how can one tell if the "stain" is caused by the
staining property of a particular pigment of if it is caused by slight
overexposure so that highlights shows some value.
In my particular test, I was using a Stouffer step tablet, and with that, you
can see that many many steps in the "unexposed area" still have the stain, so
you know that it is staining, but not overexposure.
If you are not familiar with step tablet, do request the journal mentioned by
Judy Seigel about 1-2 weeks ago. I know that the premier issue will have an
article on using step tablet. The first issue is free, so request for it!
Dave