To be completely honest, I was a little bummed when I first opened the package because the sign did not look whitewashed at all. In fact, at first glance, I was convinced it wasn't painted. However, upon further inspection and investigation of what whitewash looks like for this particular sign from other reviews in natural light, I now see that this sign is a very faded white. I had been shopping for another item from this shop and a review popped up for a whitewashed sign that was bright white, so I had expected the same. I should have realized that these are completely different materials.
This aside, the lettering is gorgeous. I will be using this sign at our wedding reception for a fireplace mantel.