It sounds like it is discoloring from the high heat. If it is not coming off it is 'dealing with the high heat.' Halogen bulbs run VERY hot. So hot the envelope is made of quartz instead of plain glass. Touching the envelope when installing a new bulb can leave enough oils and residue to create a dark spot in the envelope leading to so much heat being captured the quart softens and the internal pressure will create a bubble in the envelope and lead to rupture. Some 120 V halogens come inside a second envelope (like a reflector body).

I only checked Lowe's and Home Depot online and in store and they had nothing like just replacement rings. It's possible that there are so many different sizes and manufacturers that it would be impossible. I did not check at the electrical supply stores. I agree to the wisdom of keeping future options open by preserving the originals, but I've already started the process. My thinking is if it really looks bad with the Rustoleum Universal brushed nickel, I could just paint them while again. Worst case (costly) would be to change out all the recessed lights, but I hope it doesn't come to that. I've put a coat of Uma bonder on them after scuffing them up a bit with fine steel wool. My next step is elevating them with coins on cardboard and applying a thin coat in one direction. When it dries, I'll spray another thin coat up and down and then a third on a diagonal. Hoping for the best, not even going to think of the worst!

Just wanted to follow up...we got the trim rings installed tonight after DH finished the last coat of ceiling paint. I was a little disappointed when we installed a trial ring the other day - they looked gray against the white ceiling, and you could see the metal of the can on the inside through the glass (frosted white) so, I took a little paint, and coated one as a trial. It did the trick...so I painted all of them (on the opposite side) and I am thrilled with the result! Here are a few pictures - I can't get a good shot with the ceiling lights off. One before painting and installation night time shot in ceiling

Thank you so much. Your kitchen is gorgeous! I wish I'd popped in here before I had the lighting started. I've got four, 6-inch cans spaced in the main ceiling, with two, 4-inch above the cook top and another two 4-inch over a counter and the sink area. I really wanted smaller cans but was talked into the 6-inch due to light spread and cost. It's U-shaped situation with the cook top on the open side of the peninsula, and the sink in the middle of the U and then counters to the right, along with fridge. The 6-inch can really casts a shadow onto the counter top, but I am going to do under cab lighting and am trying really hard not to let that shadow bug me too much. The LEDs have not been installed, just "placecard" regular bulbs until all ceiling work is done. A 1970s ranch. Didn't have the budget for a total gut reno. But in hindsight I do wish I'd spent the money for a proper designer. I guess I thought having read shelter magazines for the last 30 years, I was an expert. Not! :-)