PRESS RELEASE



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                  CONTACT:

VALHI, INC.                             STEVEN L. WATSON
THREE LINCOLN CENTRE                    PRESIDENT
5430 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1700            (972) 233-1700
DALLAS, TEXAS 75240-2697



                       VALHI DECLARES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND


     DALLAS, TEXAS . . . August 27, 1999 . . . Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI) announced
today that its board of directors has declared a regular quarterly dividend of
five cents ($0.05) per share on its common stock, payable on September 30, 1999
to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 10, 1999.

     Valhi, Inc. is engaged in the titanium dioxide pigments, component products
(ergonomic computer support systems, precision ball bearing slides and locking
systems), titanium metals products and waste management industries.

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