In this study, a new sliding contact problem involving an elastomeric seal, a spherical particle and a hard coated steel counterface was modeled to investigate the detailed wear mechanisms related to the sealing surface. The model was also used to design the optimum coating conditions. A three-dimensional finite element contact problem was modeled and analyzed using the nonlinear finite element code, MARC. The deformed steel surface and stress distributions are presented for different coating layers and thicknesses. When the coating thickness is relatively small, the entrapped particle produces surface plastic deformations such as groove and torus. In addition, the sealing surface can be damaged by abrasive wear as well as fatigue wear. For a relatively thick and multi-layered coating, on the other hand, surface plastic deformation does not occur, and the amount of abrasive and fatigue wear is reduced. Therefore, the proposed contact model and results can be used in the design of various sealing systems, further intensive studies are required.