The use of different types of stains in the quantification of proteins separated on gels using electrophoresis offers the capability of deriving good outcomes in terms of linear dynamic range, sensitivity, and compatibility with specific proteins. An inexpensive, simple, and versatile lighting system based on liquid crystal display backlighting is described. It is used with a flatbed scanner technique previously reported. The results from experimentation and analysis were benchmarked against a commercial densitometer to verify the performance of this analysis system. The availability of this device is expected to be useful in laboratories in schools and in resource-limited venues. (Contains 4 figures.)