Thin anodic oxide films formed on aluminum in 15% sulfuric acid were sealed in boiling water. The distribution of the water of hydration in this film was measured as a function of depth. A detailed mechanism of the sealing process was formulated by using sealing weight gain, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe, and x-ray emission spectroscopy to compare these films with pseudoboehmite films formed by the reaction of aluminum metal with water. Films sealed in boiling water consist of three layers. Their depth and composition were determined, and the results were compared with data published by others.