Tips of trade used removing paint stains (5)
I believe the answer is:
turps
'tips of trade used removing paint stains' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'tips of trade used removing paint stains' is the wordplay.
'tips of' says to take the initial letters (I've seen 'tip of' mean this).
The initial letters of 'trade used removing paint stains' is 'TURPS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for turps that I've seen before include "Paintbrush cleaning oil" , "cleaning agent" , "Oil used in paints" , "Paint/varnish ingredient" , "Paint thinner or solvent (abbr)" .)