Exhibit 99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                           Contact:
                                                Samuel Cypert
                                                313-792-6646


            MASCO CLARIFIES IMPACT OF WASHINGTON APPELLATE DECISION


     Taylor, Michigan (September 19, 2002) -- Masco Corporation (NYSE:MAS)
yesterday filed a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission describing
an adverse appellate court decision in the State of Washington involving its
Behr paint subsidiary. The report indicated that the Company intends to seek a
discretionary appeal to the Washington State Supreme Court and that, unless the
trial court decision can be reversed, the loss to it may be material.

     In response to investor inquiries, although the ultimate liability cannot
be reasonably estimated at this time, the Company believes that, even if the
decision of the appellate court is not reversed, the effect of the Washington
trial court decision will not materially affect its sales or long-term
earnings.

     Headquartered in Taylor, Michigan, Masco Corporation is one of the world's
leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products as well as a
leading provider of services that include the installation of insulation and
other building products.




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Statements in this press release may include certain forward-looking statements
regarding Masco's future sales and earnings growth potential. Actual results
may vary materially because of external factors such as interest rate
fluctuations, changes in consumer spending and other factors over which
management has no control. Additional information about our products, markets
and conditions, which could affect our future performance, is contained in the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.