I would not go through the effort to "patch" the ceiling. Why not just get the air sealed self-contained LED inserts?

They're available now in a high CRI with "switchable" light levels for a decent price.

Have you considered using LED retrofit kits? Quite easy to install in existing can housing and can be dimmable.

Thank you for the immediate comments. darbuka is correct. As a matter of fact, I have already purchased 24 WAC Lotos 6" White Round 5-CCT LED Recessed Kits Set of 24

Style # 99R71. The compatible dimmers (Lutron Caseta dimmers) were lot more expensive. I am planning on returing the WAC lighting as it will directly glare the eyes if installed. Agreed this is the cheapest option.

Yes…we have Lutron dimmers on all lights, throughout the house.

There’s one Pro who may pipe in, and say she doesn’t like dimmers. Can’t figure out why that would be. We find them quite useful.

As you can see from these pics, we have three layers of light…recessed, semi flush, and undercab. Plus hanging pendants over the table.

The nicest lighting I've seen is Juno hyperbolic trim on their LED recessed housing. Really amazing light quality. Find a light store where you can view them. Tech Lighting's Architectural recessed LED lights also seemed cool, but I saw them in the store that didn't have them truly installed (plugged one to a wall outlet in and held it over my head). You might see if you can find a store with those installed, too.

Juno is terrific, but as to glare ? The backsplash at eye level, would be a lot more disturbing to my visual peace: ) that much is certain.

I like 3-4" pots for LEDs I like 4000K in kitchens I do not see the need for dimmers in a kitchen but I do like the lighting to be separate switches to control the amount of light so undercabinet one switch, all the pots lights one switch and the pendants over the island another Why did you get 6" ones at all? They are adted unneccessary look and for not real reason. I suggest before moving forawrd you get a good lighting store to help they usually have at least one lighting designer on staff. A kitchen is lkike an operating room it needs really good light and lots of it. I like to just leave the pendanyts on after I sit down to a dimmer party , when I need a snak at night only yhr undercaibinet lighting needs to on , And when I am cooking the whole works,

@mcarroll: "The nicest lighting I've seen is Juno hyperbolic trim on their LED recessed housing."

That's a very expensive solution. The least expensive Juno 17HYP2-HZ-WH 4" LED Hyperbolic Reflector Trim is $85 and the compatible Juno IC1RLED 4" LED Remodel Housing is $117.

I used the Juno JUNO-17HZ-WH 4" Downlight Trim ($23; Haze Reflector with White Trim but scroll down to see options), Juno TC1R Remodel Housing ($16) and Euri Lighting PAR 20 dimmable bulbs for my living room remodel. The PAR20 bulbs are recessed enough into the housing to prevent glare. Lutron LED+ dimmers are great. You don't need Caseta dimmers unless you need remote access but you will need dimmers.

I have the 4" led's in my kitchen. my island pendants and one other sconce are on a dimmer (on a seperate switch). no need for the canned lights to be dimmed. There is no glare. 2" is too small

@wdccruise agree. Our budget didn't stretch to the Juno LED housings or hyberbolic trim. Just the standard housings and haze trims. But it seemed worth mentioning--if OP has the budget, they should take a look at the hyperbolics.

Thank you everyone for taking the time to comment and provide insights. I will take a look at the hyperbolic. Fantastic discussion.

To reduce glare you want a fixture with a deep baffle recess (or "regress"). You will be more limited with selection of integral LED fixtures. Also, a black baffle can help reduce glare.