EXHIBIT 5.1


                  [Letterhead of Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP]

                                November 27, 2002

RPM International Inc.
2628 Pearl Road
P.O. Box 777
Medina, Ohio 44258

         We are familiar with the proceedings taken and proposed to be taken by
RPM International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with respect to
230,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the
"Shares"), and up to $1,100,000 in principal amount of deferred compensation
obligations (the "Obligations") to be issued from time to time in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan, as
amended (the "Plan"). As counsel for the Company, we have assisted in preparing
a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with
the registration of the Shares and Obligations under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act").

         In this connection, we have examined such documents, records and
matters of law as we have deemed necessary or advisable to render the opinion
contained herein. Based upon our examination and inquiries, we are of the
opinion that:

         1. The Shares are duly authorized and, when issued in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable; and

         2. The Obligations are duly authorized and, when issued in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Plan, will be valid and binding obligations
of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, or other laws of general applicability
relating to or affecting enforcement of creditors' rights or by general equity
principles.

         Our opinion is limited solely to the laws of the State of Delaware.

         We consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement. We do not admit that we are in the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.

                                              Very truly yours,

                                              /s/ Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

                                              CALFEE, HALTER & GRISWOLD LLP