A method and apparatus whereby tire mold is closed to within approximately one inch of full closure with a green tire in place therein for molding, and the mold is then evacuated employing a vacuum conduit prior to full mold closure whereby air within the mold cavity is evacuated and the necessity for vent holes in the mold is eliminated. A mold for practice in the invention is free of vent holes in the thread, sidewall, and bead portions of the mold and includes, along the parting line, at least one vacuum conduit whereby the mold cavity may be evacuated to not more than 16932 Pa within not more than about 60 seconds employing a source of vacuum. Seals are provided radially outward of the vacuum conduit along the parting line, and, where necessary, adjacent any moveable bead ring associated with the tire mold. Seals are preferably of a type wherein a differential between pressures experienced by one seal surface and obverse seal surface cause a more effective sealing arrangement. Tires emerging from the mold in accordance with the processes of this invention are free of rubber projections associated with cured rubber entering into vent holes associated with ordinary tire molds.