1 EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the use of our report dated January 22, 1997, with respect to the combined statement of assets to be acquired and liabilities to be assumed of Tremco Incorporated as of October 31, 1996, and the related combined statements of revenues and expenses and of cash flows for the ten-month period then ended, included in the Current Report (Form 8-K) of RPM, Inc. dated February 1, 1997. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated January 22, 1997, with respect to the combined financial statements of Tremco Incorporated included in this Current Report (Form 8-K) of RPM, Inc., in the following Registration Statements and in the related Prospectuses filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission: Registration Number Description of Registration Statement - ------------ ---------------------------------------------- 2-65508 RPM, Inc. 1979 Stock Option Plan - Form S-8 33-32794 RPM, Inc. 1989 Stock Option Plan - Form S-8 33-50868 RPM, Inc. Liquid Yield Option Notes - Form S-3 33-61513 RPM, Inc. Common Stock (Dryvit Systems, Inc. acquisition) - Form S-3 333-08209 RPM, Inc. Common Stock (TCI, Inc. acquisition)- Form S-3 333-19305 RPM, Inc. Common Stock (Marson Automotive Division acquisition) - Form S-3 ERNST & YOUNG LLP Cleveland, Ohio February 13, 1997