In finishing work, it can get smudged (3)

I believe the answer is:

ink

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'it can get smudged' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'in finishing work' is the wordplay.
'finishing' suggests the final letters (the letter which finishes the word).
The last letter of 'work' is 'k'.
'in'+'k'='INK'

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(Other definitions for ink that I've seen before include "Material used in printing" , "Writing liquid" , "Liquid in pens" , "Pen's contents" , "It is ejected by cuttlefish" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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