Spat in new colourings (6)

I believe the answer is:

paints

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'colourings' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'spat in new' is the wordplay.
'new' is an anagram indicator.
'spat'+'in'='spatin'
'spatin' anagrammed gives 'PAINTS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for paints that I've seen before include "Liquid pigments" , "Applies colour" , "Makes picture with canvas and oils" , "Decorative coatings" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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