Staining fence panels, what happens regarding dripping through to next door neighbour?

[shattered77]

We are finally painting our fence panels tomorrow. On one side there are horizontal panels and we will be staining them a different, darker colour to the neighbour's side. Will this be a problem? Will it drip through? What normally happens? Do we need to speak to them first?

Who owns it ?

It's the neighbour's fence. Our side has never been painted.

You can't just paint it then, you need to ask first.

Yep.

If you own it, you can paint it as you like. Drips are on your property, even if they are on your neighbour's side. They can ask you politely if they can paint it. You can refuse.

If they own it, it can be criminal damage to paint it without permission.

My friend's neighbour sent her a snotty note reminding her of this when she put up new fence panels.

Gosh, I really didn't know it was such a minefield! We'll be holding fire on painting that side of the garden. Thanks for the heads up!