Covering layers produce paint finish (8)
I believe the answer is:
eggshell
This clue is a double definition.
'covering layers produce' is the first definition.
(covering produced when hens lay eggs)
'paint finish' is the second definition.
(eggshell is a type of paint finish)
(Other definitions for eggshell that I've seen before include "Thin, translucent china" , "that soldiers have to get through" , "made in Dorking?" , "Type of translucent porcelain" , "Pale yellowish white" .)