From AFM observation of transferred films on mica, it has been found that mixed monolayers of hexadecanol with poly(vinyl stearate) give a film with a less-defective and flat surface by spreading from bulk solids of those mixtures onto a water surface without using any organic solvent. As a result, those mixed monolayers have a considerably larger effect on retardation of water evaporation in comparison with those spread from the solution of the mixtures. After the saturated surface pressure of the mixed monolayer spread from the bulk solids, an enhanced effect on retardation of water evaporation was found, accompanied by the preferential spreading of hexadecanol and the gradual reduction of defects in the mixed monolayer. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.