Relieved, Relieving. Removal of a portion of a darkened medallic finish after it has been toned to form a highlighted, two-toned effect. Relieving is accomplished by buffing as a step in the finishing process. A slurry mixture of water and fine pumice is flooded over the surface of an oxidized metal surface, it is then buffed under a wet wheel to remove the darkened oxidation (sulphatization), this reveals a portion of the darkened surface left intact in the crevices and low points. The process is called to form an antique, oxidized or French finish (the French developed it) – all three terms mean the same. See buffing and polishing; oxidation; finish and finishing; highlight, highlighting.