What does the cryptic crossword clue "Improve painting that's thoroughly wet: what a pain (7)" mean?

The definition is "Improve painting". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). RET (synonym="soak, thoroughly wet") + OUCH (synonym="what a pain") = RETOUCH; definition: "Improve painting" The answer is RETOUCH.

Improve painting that's thoroughly wet: what a pain (7)

Times Cryptic #28859 | 12 Across | 2024-03-08 flower

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