Joseph S. Compofelice   
                                                               (713) 423-3303   


                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


              NL INDUSTRIES, INC. ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER DIVIDEND


HOUSTON, TEXAS -- July 25, 1996 -- NL Industries, Inc. (NYSE:NL) announced that
its Board of Directors has declared its regular dividend of ten cents per share
on its common stock, payable September 30, 1996 to shareholders of record
September 16, 1996.

NL Industries, Inc. is a major international producer of titanium dioxide
pigments and specialty chemicals.




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