Fresh paint can help give a smart appearance (3,4)

I believe the answer is:

new coat

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'help give a smart appearance' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'fresh paint' is the wordplay.
'fresh' becomes 'new' (synonyms).
'paint' becomes 'coat' (I've seen this in other clues).
'new'+'coat'='NEW COAT'

'can' acts as a link.

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