EXHIBIT 99.1

                    RPM INTERNATIONAL INC. ANNOUNCES PROPOSED
                      PRIVATE OFFERING OF CONVERTIBLE NOTES


MEDINA, Ohio-May 7, 2003-RPM International Inc. (NYSE: RPM) announced today that
it is seeking to raise, subject to market and other conditions, approximately
$125 million through a private offering of senior convertible notes. RPM may
raise up to an additional $25 million if the initial purchasers exercise their
right to acquire additional notes in connection with the offering. The notes are
convertible into shares of the Company's common stock and mature in 2033.

The offering will be made only to qualified institutional buyers in accordance
with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. The Company intends to use the
net proceeds of the offering to repay existing indebtedness under its revolving
credit facility. The securities to be offered have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933 or any state securities laws, and unless so registered
may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption
from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state securities laws.

RPM International Inc., a holding company, owns subsidiaries that are world
leaders in specialty coatings serving both industrial and consumer markets.
Industrial products include roofing systems, sealants, corrosion control
coatings, flooring coatings and specialty chemicals. Consumer products are used
by professionals and do-it-yourselfers for home, automotive and boat maintenance
and by hobbyists. Industrial brands include Stonhard, Tremco, Carboline,
Day-Glo, Euco and Dryvit. Consumer brands include Zinsser, Rust-Oleum, DAP,
Varathane, Bondo and Testors.

For more information, contact: Glenn R. Hasman, vice president finance and
communications for RPM at (330) 273-8820.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" relating to the
business of the Company. These forward-looking statements, or other statements
made by the Company, are made based on management's expectations and beliefs
concerning future events impacting the Company and are subject to uncertainties
and factors (including those specified below) which are difficult to predict
and, in many instances, are beyond the control of the Company. As a result,
actual results of the Company could differ materially from those expressed in or
implied by any such forward-looking statements. These uncertainties and factors
include (a) general economic conditions; (b) the price and supply of raw
materials, particularly titanium dioxide, certain resins, aerosols and solvents;
(c) continued growth in demand for the Company's products; (d) legal,
environmental and litigation risks inherent in the Company's construction and
chemicals businesses and risks related to insurance coverage inherent in the
Company's disclosed litigation; (e) the effect of changes in interest rates; (f)
the effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates upon the Company's foreign
operations; (g) the potential impact of the euro currency conversion; (h) the
effect of non- currency risks of investing in and conducting operations in
foreign countries, including those relating to domestic and international
political, social, economic and regulatory factors; (i) risks and uncertainties
associated with the Company's ongoing acquisition and divestiture activities;




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and other risks detailed in the Company's other reports and statements filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors set
forth in the Company's prospectus and prospectus supplement included as part of
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-77028), as the
same may be amended from time to time.









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