It's used for colouring new plates (6)

I believe the answer is:

pastel

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it's used for colouring' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'new plates' is the wordplay.
'new' is an anagram indicator.
'plates' with letters rearranged gives 'PASTEL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pastel that I've seen before include "Pleats of a light colour" , "Staple light colour" , "Crayon - of soft shades" , "Drawing crayon; light shade" , "Crayon - gentle shade of colour" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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