[en] We show how to improve the dilute-gas expansion by including terms that correct double counting errors. The 1D double-well system is studied in detail. The effective correction potential diverges as the kink-antikink distance goes to zero and in this way provides a repulsive core to cut off the kink-gas density. Comparisons with the kink mass give limits to the applicability of the uncorrected kink gas. (orig.)