Sealant vs Ceramic Pro Sport vs a full ceramic coating
Short answer
A sealant is entry-level protection that lasts months. Ceramic Pro Sport is a real Ceramic Pro coating applied as part of an Exterior Detail, with a 6-month warranty. A full ceramic coating package is a step above both in gloss, protection and how long it lasts.
Quick facts
| Sealant | Included in a Decontamination Wash and Exterior Detail, lasts months |
|---|---|
| Ceramic Pro Sport | Exterior Detail plus Ceramic Pro Sport, about 4 hours, 6-month warranty |
| Full ceramic coating | A step above in gloss, protection and longevity |
What is a sealant?
A sealant is a synthetic protective layer applied over clean paint. It adds slickness, beading and some protection from road film and grime for a few months. It's the finishing step in both APC's Decontamination Wash and Exterior Detail.
What is Ceramic Pro Sport?
Ceramic Pro Sport is a real Ceramic Pro coating. At APC it's applied as part of an Exterior Detail in place of the sealant, so the paint is washed, clayed and polished first. It's a step up from a sealant and comes with a 6-month warranty. It sits below a full coating package in gloss, protection and longevity.
What does a full ceramic coating add?
A full coating package involves more preparation and a more durable coating system. The result is deeper gloss, stronger protection and a much longer life than either a sealant or Ceramic Pro Sport. For a car you plan to keep, especially one that lives outside, it's often the best long-term value.
Our sister site covers coatings in depth: Seattle Ceramic Coatings.
Which one is right for me?
A sealant suits regular maintenance. Ceramic Pro Sport suits someone who wants real coating performance for a season without committing to a full package. A full coating suits someone who wants the most protection and the longest life. None of them stops rock chips or scratches. That's what paint protection film is for.
At APC Auto Spa
APC offers all three. Ceramic Pro Sport takes about 4 hours: an Exterior Detail topped with Ceramic Pro Sport instead of a sealant, with a 6-month warranty. Full coating packages are on APC's ceramic coatings page.
Coated cars can join the Protected membership, which includes hand washes, a yearly maintenance credit and a discount on other services. See APC memberships.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Ceramic Pro Sport a real ceramic coating?
- Yes. It is a real Ceramic Pro coating with a 6-month warranty. It sits below a full coating package in gloss, protection and longevity.
- Does a ceramic coating prevent rock chips?
- No. Coatings add gloss and make cleaning easier, but they do not stop rock chips or scratches. Paint protection film is designed for that.
- Do I still need to wash a coated car?
- Yes. A coated car still needs regular gentle washing. The coating makes washing easier and helps dirt release.
Reviewed by Heather Humphrey, co-owner of APC Auto Spa ยท Last updated October 2026
Heather has co-owned APC Auto Spa since 2015 and is trained in every service APC offers.