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                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1


                          CALFEE, HALTER & GRISWOLD LLP
                                ATTORNEYS AT LAW



                                  July 22, 2004

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
500,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the
"Shares") to be offered and sold from time to time pursuant to the Company's
2003 Restricted Stock Plan for Directors (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 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 the Shares are duly authorized and, when issued pursuant to the
terms and conditions of the Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

         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