Bicycle Mechanics - headtube cracks?

I just bought a new cromoly frame never built up. The finish is a nice red powder coat. After I pressed the headset cups I noticed a light discoloration on the top and bottom of the headtube on the sides . The
"light" areas only go down about 5mm from the top and bottom . Is this normal for powder coat? I have never seen a painted frame do this. I dont see cracks but I do see what could be stressed metal under the clear coat,headset cups are tight so I assume the headtube has to give a bit. Any ideas?

May be they did not spray that area thorough enough. If the powdercoat is not chipping then I would say you are ok.

I only have limited experience with powder coated steel frame road bikes, as one of mine was powder coated. It is a 16 year old Italian frame that was refinished when it was decided to restore the bike. The powder is applied robotically in a special booth after the bare frame has been chemically cleaned and treated. Mine is about 20 months old since the refinish and about 13 months since I completed building the bike and started riding it. There aren't any blemishes similar to what you've described anywhere on my frame. If you experience little paint blemishes from time to time, it's pretty easy to touch them up with the small automotive touch paint dispensers that you can get from most auto parts stores. I've done it to many painted steel bikes with good results.

I think the paint is applied to thin in those areas that's all. If the bike is under warranty you could have it sent back to be repainted since it's obviously a manufacture defect.

Looking at it closer, the clear coat seems to be the problem. At first it looked like possible stress cracks. I think I can live with some finish blemishes. Thanks for the replies.